PEORIA, Ill. – Senior Airman Christopher Kurtz made a decision seven years ago, a choice that changed the very direction of his life in ways he never expected. Instead of being held back, the 18-year-old from Orland Park decided to quit school. It may have been the best decision he had ever made.

Kurtz, now a cyber-systems operations specialist with the 264th Combat Communications Squadron, was presented the unit’s Outstanding Airman of the Year award during a wing commander’s call Feb. 7.

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