Thomas Buena

  

Biography:

Security Clearance: Secret Clearance

Military Experience: 16.6 years

Work Experience:

Hello, I am Thomas
Buena and I am an Air Force veteran. The majority of my career in the Air Force was spent as either a Contract Specialist or Contracting Officer. Over the years I learned and grew in my profession until I was able to train others and lead small to medium size teams in accomplishing the mission. I am very motivated and mission-focused. I enjoy learning new jobs and tasks and excelling at them. I’ve led and trained countless professionals, both new airmen and lieutenants as well as seasoned non-commissioned officers. I would like to transition to a new career where I can learn and excel.  

Military Service:

  • Rank: Technical Sergeant

    Branch/Position: Air Force

    Period: September 2018 - October 2023

    Occupation: Contracting Craftsman -

    Security Clearance: Secret Clearance

    Duties Description:

    At Columbus Air Force Base I led 51 contracting professionals comprised of enlisted, officers, and government civilians with the authority to obligate up to $5M at a time as a warranted contracting officer. I managed a very effective team with a $112M contract portfolio that supported 2500+ personnel. I served as the unit deployment manager as well as the unit training manager. I also started and headed the contingency response team for Columbus Air Force Base.  

    Training courses:

    • I was granted Contracting Officer Authority to spend up to $5M.
    • I've been recognized through Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter Awards as well as coins and Commander Recognition as someone to always be relied upon.
    • When I led the team that ensured the safety investigation board was taken care of, I was recognized by the headquarters commande

  • Rank: Technical Sergeant

    Branch/Position: Air Force

    Period: September 2017 - August 2018

    Occupation: 6C071 - Contracting Craftsman -

    Security Clearance: Secret Clearance

    Duties Description:

    At Travis Air Force Base in California, I was part of the Contingency Response Support Squadron which
    responds within 72 hours to military and humanitarian taskings worldwide. I served as the Contracting Officer, Logistics Support Lead, and the Chemical Biological Radioactive Nuclear readiness team lead. In that unit, all members had to be great at multiple jobs and be able to flex from one to another. I enjoyed being a vital member of a very important and competent group. ified acquisition procedures, negotiation, and other approved methods. Uses automated contracting systems to prepare, process, and analyze transactions and products. Acts as business advisor, buyer, negotiator, administrator, and contracting officer. Supports all functions of contingency operations.

    Training courses:

    • I was recognized for my efforts in creating and implementing standard operating procedures for our warfighters to survive in a weapons of mass destruction compromised environment.

  • Rank: Technical Sergeant

    Branch/Position: Air Force

    Period: September 2010 - August 2017

    Occupation: 6C071 - Contracting Craftsman -

    Security Clearance: Secret Clearance

    Duties Description:

    At Ramstein Air Base in Germany, I started as a young junior enlisted member and left as a seasoned
    non-commissioned officer. During my time at Ramstein, I served as the lead of commodities flight, the lead of small services flight, the lead of civil engineering contracts flight, as well as deployed to locations in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. I was able to leverage experience as a contracting professional to support a
    military community comprised of 57K American Forces living in Germany. 

    Training courses:

    • I was awarded the Acquisition Professional Development Program Level 2 for Contracting

  • Rank: Senior Airman

    Branch/Position: Air Force

    Period: February 2007 - August 2010

    Occupation: 6C051 - Contracting Journeyman -

    Security Clearance: Secret Clearance

    Duties Description:

    During this part of my career, I just joined the United States Air Force and completed technical school for the contracting careerfield. I spent most of this period learning and developing my skills as a Contract Specialist and then Contracting Officer. I also deployed to Baghdad, Iraq during this time as a part of the Defense Contract Management Agency. On that deployment, I supported all static security, convoy security, VIP security, and Personnel Movement Security contracts in the Iraq area of responsibility.

    Training courses:

    • I was recognized as an Honor Graduate at Basic Training
    • I was recognized at the squadron and headquarters level multiple times for my performance and professionalism
    • I was recognized by my deployed commander in Iraq as an exceptional performer and was presented with a Joint-Service Commendation Medal
    • I received my Acquisition Professional Development Plan level 1 certification

Work history:

  • Job Title: Contracting Officer

    Company: United States Air Force

    Period: February 2007 - present

    Trainings, Certifications and Licences:

    • Acquisition Professional Development Plan Levels 1 and 2
    • 6C071 - Contracting Journeyman Skill Level
    Role Description:

     In the United States Air Force, I served in the contracting career field. I started out as a new airman and quickly developed and gained experience, knowledge, and know-how. I’ve travelled the world in that time both
    for military conflicts as well as partner nation exercises and cooperation. My time with the Air Force was well spent and I’ve been fortunate to experience and accomplish as much as I have.  

Education:

  • Community College of the Air Force

    Associate's Degree – Contracts Management

    Period: October 2007 - June 2014

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