The Citation

Senior Aircraftsman Gasser joined the Royal Air Force in November 2003 and following his first tour at Royal Air Force Lyneham was posted to the Tactical Supply Wing in January 2006. 

SAC Gasser has conducted himself in an exemplary manner throughout his 3-year tour on TSW.  During this time he has unfailingly impressed the command chain with a responsible and mature attitude which has been coupled with an intelligent and enthusiastic approach to his work. 

During Gasser’s time on TSW, he has consistently met and exceeded the demands associated with his role.  His honesty and integrity, coupled with his outstanding operational and technical competence, generate immediate confidence in his abilities.  This was exemplified through his deployment as Detachment Commander on Exercise MERLIN SCORPION.  Gasser approached this opportunity with vigor and delivered a first rate performance.  Gasser’s commitment and positive approach was further highlighted in this instance by the fact that he had cancelled a personal holiday to ensure that he was available to be considered for the opportunity to lead the deployment.

It was this outstanding commitment to the Service and proven ability that ensured that SAC Gasser was the first choice to undertake the role of A/Cpl at FOB EDINBURGH during his operational tour of Afghanistan.  SAC Gasser was specifically selected for this role by his Detachment Commander due to the anticipated challenges that this forward deployment would bring.  Having already proven his worth at the Main Operating Base, he was deployed to the forward location as a singleton for 4 weeks due to manpower constraints. Undaunted by the fact he would be the sole fuels operator at this extremely isolated, yet strategically important refuel site, he ensured all helicopter tasking and site maintenance were carried out to the highest of standards.  This often entailed working in excess of 18 hour days to meet all tasking in extreme climatic conditions.  His outstanding efforts in maintaining this refuel site received laudable praise from the site Commander who personally contacted the TSW Detachment Commander to pass on his unreserved gratitude. 

Throughout this operational tour and his subsequent deployment to Kenya, SAC Gasser has been a pivotal team player.  Irrespective of the task he has shown that he possesses excellent interpersonal skills and he clearly promotes cohesion within a team. 

In addition to the extremely challenging work load in his primary role, SAC Gasser has displayed immense capacity in the delivery of effect in a variety of secondary duties.  He has been instrumental in raising in excess of £4000 for charity this year, undertaking events in support of the Catherine House Hospice, Marie Curie and Help for Heroes.  Not content to rest on his laurels, Gasser also volunteered to collect donations for the Royal Air Force Association in various local towns over consecutive weekends. 

Gasser is an exceptionally physically fit Airman, who has reached the “excellent standard” in his annual fitness test.  Putting this physical stamina to good use he participated in a charity endurance race whilst on an operational tour of Afghanistan.  He also completed the Dancon Charity March around camp Bastion in support of the Danish Armed Forces.

In addition to all of this, SAC Gasser has given his time freely in support of the local community, volunteering to assist in both the Doxey Marsh clean up project and the provision of ATC Summer and Easter camps.  He also finds the time to play football for TSW and is an active member of the TSW Rugby club.

SAC Gasser consistently performs in a highly professional manner, both in his primary and secondary duties.  Gasser is a dedicated professional whose military conduct and bearing are outstanding.  In summary, SAC Gasser possesses the determination, spirit and professional dedication that will provide the cornerstone of tomorrow’s Royal Air Force.