Assessments, Opinions, and Observations

Quoted assessments, opinions, and observations about me.

The ones listed below are from Air Force performance appraisals.

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Staff Sargeant Smith periodically performed the duty as Non Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) of the Navigation Shop. He displays the character of a much higher ranking NCO in supervising and maintaining the shop. During his supervision all required duties were performed in an outstanding manner and he maintained a highly efficient work force which completed all maintenance tasks with the utmost of quality and quantity. SSgt. Smith can be relied upon to complete any task assigned and he extends the extra effort to do it in an outstanding manner. He is a resourceful individual and eagerly offers assistance whenever possible. When the opportunity arises he should be placed in a position of higher authority and responsibility.

Thomas Reid, WS-12
Chief Navigation Shop

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SSgt. Smith makes the NAV shop gel. His leadership there reflects in a direct labor utilization rate of over 90 percent, as reflected in monthly maintenance summaries. That high productive labor rate insures a shop backlog of near zero. We need this caliber NCO in the highest leadership roles. Promote.

Elmer Mallette, JR, Colonel, USAF
Deputy Commander for Maintenance

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SSgt. Smith has demonstrated important leadership ability and significantly, he has shown that he desires to supervise and lead. We count on him to train the new airmen being assigned and to guide them to the same degree of proficiency and to the same level of professionalism he has achieved himself. Recommend this outstanding NCO for early promotion.

Daniel Furlong, Lt. Colonel, USAF
Commander

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SSgt. Smith was assigned to the position of Shift Supervisor, a duty normally reserved for higher ranking NCOs. Production, both quantity and quality had shown a marked increase within a very short time. There was a noticeable increase in morale among workers on his shift, both civilian and military. He strives for perfection in all tasks that he undertakes. His quickness to assume responsibility and his mature judgement are in constant evidence in his duty performance. SSgt. Smith has completed his seven level career development course in the minimum amount of time and achieved the highly commendable score of 96% on the final test. In addition, he has satisfactorily completed the Air Force Supervisor's Course. He actively supports and emphasizes the Equal Employment Opportunity and Treatment Program. I recommend that he be promoted well ahead of his contemporaries.

John T. Weigelt JR., TSgt, USAF
Avionic Navigation System Technician

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The drive and skill of this NCO are most commendable. His strict insistence on "quality first" is a trait not often found in his peers. His total dedication to his chosen profession mark him as one who will succeed in any endeavor. I urge that he be promoted as soon as possible.

Alfred Lapolla JR., SMSgt, USAF
NCOIC Radar Shop

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Below are comments about me from my LinkedIn profile.

I had the pleasure of teaming up with Rick in coordinating and installing 60 client workstations at a major retail store throughout Ohio. Rick ensured these installations were done on schedule and to the customer's satisfaction. I would recommend Rick for technical project opportunities and welcome the chance to work with him again.

Barrie Rankine, IT Professional and Technical Project Manager Consultant

Rick was one of the first individuals I came into contact with when I started my job at LexisNexis in the eServices department. I was impressed by his tribal knowledge which he never held back. He was always willing to share and help others understand. He is a very communicative and amiable individual who believes in sharing knowledge which makes him an outstanding team player. He would be an asset to any employer.

Pawan Kakar, Sr. Web Developer, LexisNexis

I worked with Rick when he as overseeing the adoption of web-based course materials for Lexis. Rick was always responsive and clued-in and made our mutual efforts successful.

John Mayer, Executive Director, Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction

Rick was attentive to all my questions, completely understood his product, and was able to quickly resolve our concerns.

Deb Quentel, Director of Curriculum Development & General Counsel, Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction

Rick's work for the Marketing Department at LexisNexis (during my tenure) was professional and contributed to the successful launch of new products and services. He was a dedicated employee and a strong team member.

Larry Thompson, Sr VP and Global Marketing Officer, LexisNexis

One of the most significant assignments that I did while I worked at Blackboard Inc was customizing the Blackboard platform for LexisNexis. Rick Smith was the manager at LexisNexis who worked with us on ensuring that we got their requirements "right" and that we achieved the highest level of quality possible. He was detail oriented and communicated with us as though we were part of his team at Lexis. That helped our moral and productivity. That project was completed on time and on schedule, thanks to Rick's excellent schedule and project management skills. I recommend Rick for other technical project management opportunities and I welcome the opportunity to work with him again.

Ussama Baggili, Principal Consultant, Blackboard Inc.