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AOTM: Allways climbing

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jared Duhon
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Senior Airman Delvin Darien, a 436th Medical Group occupational health technician, was chosen by his leadership as Airman of the Month.

The 436th MGD incorporates many medical offices here; ranging from public health and flight medicine, to dental and optometry.

The Ridgeland, S.C., native's specialty is ears. He conducts hearing tests, hearing loss prevention briefings and workplace inspections.


"I do hearing tests for everyone exposed to hazardous noises on base," said Darien. "Maintainers, flyers and civil engineers are our main customers."

In August, the occupational health compliance rates rose from 93 to 97 percent. Tech. Sgt. Patricia Mallins, 436th MDG public health NCO in charge, said the improvement reflects Darien's hard work.

"He is my go to Airman," said Mallins. "If I ever need anything, I know I can count on him."

In conjunction with the hearing tests, Darien conducts shop assessments.

"We do the shop visits to help familiarize ourselves with the shop," Darien said. "We recognize new hazards as well as revisit old ones making sure they are being managed to protect their health and safety."

Darien found out he was selected for promotion to staff sergeant at the beginning of August. He said studying for the test was a challenge.

"I was surprised when I opened the professional development guide," Darien said. "There was a lot of information to learn and keep up with."
Darien's coworkers believe he is ready for the new responsibility.

"He is going to be a great NCO," said Brian Adams, 436th MDG public health technician, who works with Darien. "He is a very self-motivated Airman and anything he sets his mind to, he has accomplished."

Darien said he is not sure what the future has in store for him, but he is ready.

"I do not know what I want to do in the future, but I am weighing all my options," he said. "I have my Community College of the Air Force degree so I may get out and go to graduate school or stay in and try to become an officer."

Mallins said she feels Darien would make a great officer, while Adams feels that he will be successful no matter what he chooses to do in the future.

"I've mentored him over the years and watched him grow," said Adams. "I truly believe that his determination will always lead him to success in everything he does."