STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. -- 1st Lt. Alec DeGraaf, maintenance operations officer of the 105th Maintenance Squadron, was awarded the 2025 Aircraft Maintenance Company Grade Officer Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award.
The award honors the “Godfather of Maintenance,” Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez, by recognizing Airmen across the U.S. Air Force for superior performance in maintenance career fields and exceptional leadership.
Marquez’s legacy includes revolutionizing Air Force maintenance practices, championing the maintainers’ culture and fighting for the distinctive maintenance badge now worn above the heart. Receiving this honor with such a rich history in maintenance came as a surprise to DeGraaf, who had been in his role for just two years.
DeGraaf views the award not as recognition for any single project or personal achievement, but as validation of the resilience of his 105th MXS team. Maintainers continually meet daily standards while absorbing extra demands from deployments, special projects and resource constraints, he added.
“I always saw this award as a team award,” DeGraaf said. “It definitely says more about the team that I work with than about myself.”
As director of operations for the 105th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, DeGraaf serves as the bridge between commanders’ strategic intent and the tactical execution that keeps the 105th Airlift Wing’s C-17 Globemaster III aircraft mission-ready. He serves as the unit’s sole full-time company grade officer, coordinating resources, advocating for enlisted Airmen and ensuring priorities align with the flying schedule.
His unit’s recent successes include supporting multiple deployments, navigating day-to-day challenges and implementing modernization initiatives that enhance the C-17’s equipment and capabilities.
Their efforts have gone far beyond routine maintenance, incorporating new technologies such as electronic ground power unit systems, microvanes, and Star Shield, the military counterpart to Starlink. Many of these were first tested or uniquely applied on C-17s here at the 105th following the activation of the new C-17 Combined Test Force. The modifications adapt advanced systems common in fighter aircraft to mobility platforms, strengthening the Air Force’s overall warfighting edge.
Despite the demanding and fast-paced nature of the work, the 105th MXS consistently rises to the challenge.
“Even on the toughest days when missions stretch thin or difficult decisions take shape, our guys pull through,” said DeGraaf.
He explained that his team draws much of its strength from the unique character of the Air National Guard. Unlike active duty Airmen who typically rotate through different assignments every few years, many ANG maintainers have spent over a decade specializing on the C-17. They bring institutional knowledge and hard-earned expertise.
As a leader, DeGraaf trusts the expertise of his team and creates an environment where ideas flow upward from the shop floor. When Airmen propose changes to improve processes, he is quick to advocate for them.
“If an idea comes from the shop and it funnels its way up, then I know that the idea has been reviewed, assessed, critiqued, built and revised,” DeGraaf explained. He believes his role as a leader is to channel that energy, provide resources and course-correct when needed, trusting the expertise of those closest to the work.
For DeGraaf, the award serves as both a source of pride and a daily encouragement amid tough conversations and long shifts. The collective effort of dedicated Guardsmen keeps the mission flying, and their proficiency, camaraderie and top-notch talent set the organization apart, he said.
Everyday challenges turn into solutions that prove the C-17 enterprise grows stronger and more capable with each generation of maintainers, DeGraaf added.