9th AF OPY winners announced

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  During a final ceremony March 10 in Valdosta, Ga., the 9th Air Force Outstanding Performers of the Year were announced.

For the preceding three days, 9th AF commanders, command chiefs, nominees and spouses were able to experience the local community and observe Moody's capabilities.

"I couldn't be prouder of the performance of these nominees," said Maj. Gen. Stephen Hoog, 9th AF commander. "It took a lot of time and dedication for them to make it this far. They're the time of Airmen I would go to war anywhere with at any moment."

And the 9th Air Force Outstanding Performers of the Year are...
Civilian category I- Valerie Owen, 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.
Civilian category II- Todd Barnes, 633rd Air Base Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.
Company grade officer- Capt. Michael Richard, 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.
Field grade officer- Maj. Martin Pantaze, 23rd Wing, Moody Air Force Base, Ga.
First Sergeant- Senior Master Sgt. John Rogers, 633rd Air Base Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.
Senior NCO- Senior Master Sgt. James Purkey, 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.
NCO- Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Phillips, 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing, Moody Air Force Base, Ga.
Airman- Senior Airman Alexander Hardy, 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing, Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

"Winning is a surreal experience," said Sergeant Rogers, winner of the First Sergeant category. "As a first sergeant, it's my job to serve others so winning this award is humbling. I'm glad the banquet was held at Moody this year and it's great for it to move around each year and let us meet new people. I had a great time this week and was blown away by the capabilities Moody possesses."

All the winners will next compete at the Air Combat Command-level.