MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Members of the 23rd Wing and 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing recently gathered to recognize superior performers during the 2009 Annual Awards Ceremony held at the James H. Rainwater Convention Center in Valdosta, Ga., Jan. 30.

The event was held to recognize Moody's "best of the best" military members and civilian personnel. In 2009, 70 individuals from the two wings were selected as nominees in 12 separate categories.

Before the award ceremony began, the nominees were presented with a medal during the medallion ceremony.

"During the medallion ceremony, each nominee is personally recognized by senior leadership," said Senior Airman Rebecca Roberts, mistress of ceremonies for the evening. "In addition, each nominee's significant other was presented a pin that symbolizes their vital role in supporting the men and women who work for this country."

The awards ceremony began with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the arrival of the official party and distinguished visitors. Distinguished guests included the mayors of Valdosta, Hahira and Remerton along with other community leaders.

After the announcement of the award nominees, a fallen warrior tribute was held. In addition to dog tags being displayed, which represent fallen Moody Airmen, a rifle, helmet, pair of boots and an American flag were displayed on a table at the front of the banquet hall.

Following the tribute, the invocation was provided by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Thomas Angelo prior to dinner being served.

Students from the Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham Airman Leadership School class 10B volunteered to be servers for the dinner.

The final event of the night was the announcement of the 2009 Annual Award winners. The evening concluded with remarks from Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd WG commander.

"The Annual Awards Ceremony is a great way to honor these fantastic Airmen, which include all active duty members, civilians, contractors and retirees," said Colonel Henderson. "The 23rd WG and 93rd AGOW form one of the most relevant combinations of airpower for our country's defense. I'm extremely proud of the winners from both wings and salute the courage of all who help keep the mission going."


Congratulations to the 23rd WG 2009 Annual Awards winners:

- Honor Guard Member of the Year
Airman 1st Class Jovelle Chaison, 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

- Non-Appropriated Funds Supervisor
Amy Thompson, 23rd Force Support Squadron

- NAF Pay Band
Jennifer Hembree, 23rd Force Support Squadron

- NAF Crafts and Trade
Patricia Bolin, 23rd Mission Support Group

- Civilian of the Year, Wage Grade
Christopher Gaskins, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron

- Civilian of the Year, Professional and Analytical
Daniel Kinsey, 563rd Rescue Group

- Civilian of the Year, Technical, Clerical and Other
David LaPlante, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron

- Airman of the Year
Senior Airman Shakera Stokes, 23rd Operations Support Squadron

- Non-commissioned Officer of the Year
Tech. Sgt. Jesse Bascombe, 23rd Wing

- Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year
Master Sgt. Rachael Clark, 23rd Medical Group

- First Sergeant of the Year
Master Sgt. Donald McNulty, 23rd Security Forces Squadron

- Company Grade Officer of the Year
Capt. Kyle Porter, 71st Rescue Squadron


Congratulations to the 93rd AGOW Annual Awards winners:

- Airman of the Year
Staff Sgt. Joseph Aton, 11th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Hood, Texas

- Non-commissioned Officer of the Year
Tech. Sgt. Brandon Livingston, 820th Combat Operation Squadron

- Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year
Senior Master Sgt. Johnny Gavin, 824th Security Forces Squadron

- First Sergeant of the Year
Senior Master Sgt. Christie Van Aken, 3rd Weather Squadron at Fort Hood, Texas

- Company Grade Officer of the Year
Capt. Marcus Hutson, 14th Air Support Operations Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

- Civilian of the Year, Professional and Analytical
Robert LeFever, 820th Security Forces Group

- Civilian of the Year, Technical, Clerical and Other
Victoria Johnson, 20th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Drum, N.Y.