Coining Pope's Finest Published July 17, 2009 By 2nd Lt. Cammie Quinn 43rd Airlift WIng Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE -- Each week Col. James Johnson, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander, highlights an outstanding Airman. July 14th, Col. James Johnson, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander, presented his Commander's Coin Tuesday to Senior Airman Sam Tuggle, 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron for his exceptional performance beyond the call of duty. Airman Tuggle is an Aerospace Propulsion Journeyman and performs engine and aircraft ground handling maintenance on en route C-5, C-130 and C-17 aircraft. Airman Tuggle's job performance is the pinnacle of professionalism as highlighted on several occasions. During the 2008 Air Mobility Command Logistics Standardization and Evaluation Program inspection, he garnered eight "Zero Defect" evaluations, earning him the recognition of "Outstanding Performer." Airman Tuggle's maintenance skills have been instrumental in readying aircraft for a number of critical missions to include hurricane relief, Operational Readiness Inspection deployments and Presidential visits. His efforts were instrumental to the 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's 99 percent aircraft departure reliability rate. Off duty, Airman Tuggle volunteers as a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation instructor and is involved in local church construction projects as well as an active member of numerous intramural sports teams. Most recently, he was voted President of the Squadron's Booster Club and has made significant contributions to unit morale activities. Similarly, his excellent service has gained him recognition as the 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airman of the Year. On and off the flight line, Airman Tuggle is an outstanding example to all Airmen he works with on a daily basis.