JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. -- For more than a decade, Cedrick Del Castillo has been a cornerstone of the Aircrew Flight Equipment community, embodying a leadership style centered on mentorship, continuity and a family-oriented approach. His dedication and influence recently earned him the Outstanding AFE Category II Civilian of the Year award at the Air Mobility Command level—a recognition he insists is not just about him, but the entire team.
“It's always a team effort,” Del Castillo said. “You don’t get recognized like this without the hard work of those around you. Leadership is about guiding and supporting, but it’s the team that makes the mission happen.”
Having retired as a senior noncommissioned officer, Del Castillo returned as a civilian, bringing with him decades of experience and a commitment to shaping the next generation of AFE professionals. U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jesus Vasquez, AFE section chief with the 62d Operations Support Squadron, has worked alongside him for nearly ten years and considers him a mentor who helped shape his own career progression.
“I went from being an Airman 1st Class to a section NCOIC under him, and now I’m a section chief,” Vasquez said. “Through all of that, he’s been a mentor. One thing that never changed was that he was always here, providing continuity and guidance.”
Del Castillo’s reputation as a leader stems not only from his technical expertise but also from his ability to foster a sense of family within his team. He prioritized creating an environment where Airmen felt valued, often organizing team-building events, potlucks, and holiday gatherings to strengthen camaraderie.
“The building always had that home-like feel,” Vasquez said. “Every holiday, there was a Christmas tree, stockings for all the workers, potlucks, breakfasts—things that made it more than just a work center.”
Beyond morale-building, Del Castillo played a crucial role in training and mentoring Airmen, ensuring the unit maintained operational excellence. With frequent personnel changes due to permanent change of station moves, his stability provided an anchor for the team.
“In a place where people rotate in and out all the time, having someone with his level of experience is invaluable,” Vasquez said. “He’s been here before all of us, seen it all, and helps keep things running smoothly.”
Del Castillo also emphasized the importance of mentorship in developing future leaders.
“We all have ranks that tell us what we need to do, but mentorship goes beyond that,” he said. “It’s about preparing the next leaders, making sure they have the right foundation to succeed. That’s always been my goal.”
His ability to bridge the gap between uniformed personnel and civilian employees also set him apart. As a supervisor of civilian AFE personnel, he ensured seamless integration between both groups.
Vasquez noted how rare it is to find individuals like Del Castillo, who dedicate themselves so fully to both mission success and the people around them.
“People like him are hard to find,” Vasquez said. “He’s been there, done it all, and he’s always willing to share that experience. It’s the kind of leadership that makes a real difference.”
As Del Castillo reflects on his award and career, he remains focused on the legacy he leaves behind.
“It’s never about the recognition,” he said. “It’s about making sure the people coming up after you are ready to take on the mission. That’s what matters most.”
With his guidance and leadership, Del Castillo has not only secured his place as a mentor and leader within AFE but has also left a lasting impact on those who will carry the torch forward.
AMC Level Award Recipients
Senior Airman Erica Schultz, Bioenvironmental Engineering Airman of the Year, 62d Medical Squadron
Senior Airman Toni A. Lewis, Aviation Resource Management Airman of the Year, 4th Airlift Squadron
1st Lt. Amanda Fuchs, USAF Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award-Company Grade Category, 62d Medical Squadron
Captain Alexandria Kahalley, Financial Management Officer of the Year, 62d Comptroller Squadron
Ms. Jaelynn Williams, Civilian Cat II of the Quarter, 62d Comptroller Squadron
62d Comptroller Squadron, Financial Analysis Office of the Year, 62d Comptroller Squadron