MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- 
Senior Master Sgt. Chris Platzer, 299th Network Operations Squadron, was presented the Trailblazer Award by the 184th Wing’s Chiefs Group before an audience of his peers and coworkers, Sept. 8, 2024. Platzer was selected for his significant contributions to the 184th Wing and the surrounding community.
The 184th Wing’s Chiefs Group presented the Trailblazer Award to Senior Master Sgt. Chris Platzer, 299th Network Operations Squadron, during a small ceremony with his peers and coworkers at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Sept. 8, 2024.
The Trailblazer Award recognizes Airmen who contribute leadership, support, and dedication which bring about positive changes in the 184th Wing and the surrounding community. It’s only given twice a year, and Platzer was the very first recipient.
Candidates are evaluated on readiness, process- and self-improvement, community, leadership, and wing involvement. Nominations are submitted by squadron senior enlisted leaders, and the selection is made by a panel consisting of group chiefs and the wing command chief.
According to the Chiefs Group, Platzer optimized the performance of the Standardization and Evaluation section, 299th NOS, by applying “best practices” used by his counterparts from throughout the Air Combat Command. This resulted in the certification of 40 crew members – an all-time high – and expanded force presentation by 400 percent which ensured the integrity of Department of Defense Information Networks.
Platzer also completed a project management professional course which honed his ability to manage projects and advanced his personal growth. Through the 40-hour course, he learned to master traditional techniques and execute agile methods.
As a community leader, Platzer presided over the Quivira Council Webelos Den, a local component of Boy Scouts of America. In this role, he instructed construction symmetry for 50 scouts, coordinated eight campouts, and directed three community service projects. His contributions to BSA earned him recognition as Den Leader of the Year.