E-mail this article to a friend | Printer friendly format | Submit A Comment

- Released to the Madera Tribune

Senior Master Sergeant Ronald V. Contreras worked as the Chief of Quality Assurance Section, OL-DET 4, 645 Material Squadron, Aeronautical Systems Center in Palmdale.

Photo by: For The Madera Tribune

A celebration on Dec. 10, 2004 honored a local hero who has retired after 20 years in the United State Air Force.

Senior Master Sergeant Ronald V. Contreras worked as the Chief of Quality Assurance Section, OL-DET 4, 645 Material Squadron, Aeronautical Systems Center in Palmdale, Calif.

Senior Master Sergeant Contreras was born to Teresa and Ron Contreras of Madera on May 3, 1966. He attended Madera High School where he graduated in 1984. He is married to the former Norma Gutierrez, daughter of Hector and Dora Gutierrez of Madera.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force April 16, 1985.

Following basic military training at Lackland AFB, Texas, Senior Master Sergeant Contreras graduated from Airlift Bombardment Technical Training as a Crew Chief, from Sheppard AFB, Texas. His first assignment was to the 6594 Test Group at Hickman AFB, Hawaii from November of 1985 to August of 1986, where he was a Isochronical Team Member. In August of 1986, Senior Master Sergeant Contreras was reassigned to the 6515th Test Support Squadron, Edwards AFB, California where he was assigned to five separate squadrons. First, to the 6515th Test Support Squadron as a Crew Chief on a standard C-130H aircraft. Next, he was assigned to the 6510th Logistic Test Squadron where he was a Crew Chief on the Talon II, MC-130H Special Operations aircraft. In 1992, Senior Master Sergeant Contreras was assigned to the 412th Aircraft Generation Squadron where he was a Crew Chief on the AC- 130U Gunship. Next, he was assigned to the 450th Logistic Test Squadron where his duties included Maintenance Expediter and Flight Chief He was later transferred to the 450th Test Squadron where his duties consisted of C-130J and CV-22 Maintenance Superintendent. Next, Senior Master Sergeant Contreras volunteered for a special duty assignment to Detachment 1, 46th Operations Group, Hurlburt Field, Florida, where he was trained to fly as an Airborne Data Acquisition Operator on MC-130E, MC-130H, AC-130H, AC-130U, MH-53, HH-60 and the UH-1 airframes. He arrived at his present duty assignment in September 2001, and was trained to fly as a Scanner on EC-130E, EC 130H aircraft. His duties also consisted of being the Chief of Structures, Quality Assurance Superintendent and Chief of Quality Assurance.

His accomplishments include a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management from Webster University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Aircraft Maintenance Technology from Troy State University, an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Aircraft Technology from Community College of the Air Force, an Associates Degree in General Education from Cerro Coso Community College.

His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with six oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal with a bronze star, the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters, the Non Commissioned Officer Military Education Graduation Ribbon with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Basic Training Ribbon. Other honors include, Maintenance Achievement Award for 1987 from 6510th Maintenance and Supply Group, Crew Chief of the Year 1994 from 412th Logistics Group and the 450th Test Squadron, Fire Mountain Foundation President's Scholarship Award for 1997 to 1998, Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter for the 6510th LTS, 412th AGS, 450th and Senior Noncommissioned Officer for 450th, Detachment 1, 46th Operations Group, Detachment 4, 645th Material Squadron, along with numerous letters and certificates from the local community.