You are using an outdated browser. For a faster, safer browsing experience, upgrade for free today.
Employee of the Year - 2024
Image of Julian Roach

Julian Roach

  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Ellsworth AFB, SD
  • Resurrected Line-of-sight Link-16 training for all Powder River Training Complex users.  Working in conjunction with TCG experts, he tested and codified a MIDS JTRS 38 step start-up and shutdown procedure that enabled dynamic link training for 229 sorties, 300 hours, 11 squadrons and 6 different weapon systems.   The successful fielding provided link training for the inaugural KC-46 Weapon School Instructor Course and subsequent follow-on fall class.  As a critical member of the Vader team, he was lauded by the Commander of the 509th Weapon Squadron,” Your efforts and support have been absolutely vital to the KC-46 validation class”.  In addition, the link availability sparked Vader support for four RC-135 squadrons providing link and voice training for 58 sorties.
  • Linchpin for STRATCOM’s Glyphic Piranha (GP) Live Fly Exercise; assisted the base communication squadron set-up of 6 NIPR and 6 SIPR workstations, including establishing critical infrastructure required for a video teleconference capability for the exercise white cell.  In addition, he sent multiple critical time-sensitive command and control link messages enabling exercise mission execution.  His efforts supported 4 squadrons, 41 sorties and shacked key STRATCOM training objectives while securing accolades for the J3 GP Exercise team who were awarded the Global Operations Directorate Cross-Functional Team of the quarter.
  • Led innovative maintenance initiative for the Ellsworth Digital Management Radio Systems (DRMS).  In collaboration with the LMON team, he acquired procedures, configured maintenance equipment and obtained the hardware required to perform URC-200 radio calibrations.   He established a streamlined schedule to semi-annually update all 9 radios at three different sites in a single day, covering 246 miles and crossing three state lines. The initiative reduced tracked radio failures by 50% over the last year and secured 2,056 hours of effective radio communications.  The consistent up time on the radios ensured 28 Bomb Wing compliance with the Federal Aviation Agency PRTC requirements and enabled enhanced tactical training for 483 sorties.
  • Subject Matter Expert.  Sharing his in-depth operational knowledge, he delivered over 2 hours of instruction on six unique topics, bolstering five Vader operators’ expertise on LMOC-P operational procedures, Ultra-16 and Beyond Line of Site fundamentals, DRMS troubleshooting and operation, Cyber Security, BSEt handbook and B-1 Stand-off weapons.  The instructional topics and materials established the baseline for initial and refresher Vader operator training, which ensures continuity of operations and sets the framework for proficiency in over 99 operator tracked skills and tasks.
  • Co-Engineered and tested LMOC server shutdown and start-up procedures; codified 35 checklist steps that provided procedures for three scheduled and four un-planned power outages over the year.  The new procedures reduced average system downtime by 53.3%, minimizing mission impact to the warfighter and ensuring maximum range availability for all range users.
  • Directed Ellsworth site equipment inventories.  He led the electronic transfer of 434 items from the old Access database to new excel format, maintaining accountability for over $370K of assets and meeting all company timelines and requirements.   He ensured 100% accountability for all accounts, to include managing the disposition of the legacy MIDS LVT terminal from our local SPRAM account.   
  • Spearheaded new Vader office design.  The new design established 4 exercise operator stations, 6 personal workstations and increased functional operator stations by 33 percent.  In addition, he validated tempest requirements for 88 devices and 14 workstations, ensuring that the new layout met all Air Force security requirements.  Vader operations is effectively configured to support the needs of the current combat warfighter and all future exercise operations.
  • Innovative team builder, teammate and leader.  He organized, participated in and directed multiple team building events in 2024, to include a Mission Training Center potluck, Vader team building hike and going away for a retiring employee.  These events have forged a tight-knit Vader team, enhanced a collaborative and inclusive working environment and established lasting and professional relationships with 20 other government and contractor employees who share our workspaces.
  • Established a realistic and dynamic combat environment for 86 B-1 combat aviators by LARPing airborne command and control functions for 126 sorties and 1,890 constructive entities.  In accordance with current tactics, techniques and procedures, he composed and delivered threat Lowdowns, situation updates, picture calls and over 378 dynamic and time sensitive target taskings via voice, Line of Site and Beyond Line of Site Link-16 tactical datalinks.  His elite ability to provide realistic execution with minimal guidance gave back critical time to the sortie instructors and mission leads.  This additional time minimized the required time spent on developing detailed script instructions and allowed the instructors to focus solely on student performance during the mission planning day and during sortie execution.  These efforts significantly enhanced warfighter combat readiness, proficiency and lethality for two B-1 squadrons in three different theaters of operations.
  •  Instructed 50 classes of Taekwondo.  Provided 50 hours of mental and physical training to 7 local students.  A credit to the quality of instruction, his class size increased by 233% over the year.  His instruction bolstered community ethical standards, self-reliance and physical health and has also translated to superior work performance and effectiveness.
  •  Garnered 12 credits towards Bachelor of Business Administration (B.A.); 65% complete with undergraduate degree.  Mastering the core B.A. skills of organization and project management, he co-authored an intricate 40 page “Vader for Dummies” guide, codifying procedures for the operational maintenance for the entire LMOC-P, stand-alone LMON and TCG systems.  The fully illustrated guide not only ensured efficient and sustainable operations for 30 gateways and 10 unique software applications, but also provided an iron clad troubleshooting guide and refresher training materials for all Vader operators.