23rd Wing congratulates 2008 Annual Award winners

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Members of the 23rd Wing recently gathered to recognize superior performers during the 2008 Annual Awards Banquet held at the James H. Rainwater Convention Center in Valdosta Jan. 31.

The event honored the wing's "best of the best" military members and civilian personnel nominated in 10 separate categories. This year, 50 individuals were selected as the nominees for the event.

"The ceremony was a chance for us to recognize individuals who went above and beyond in all that they do," said Master Sgt. Lance Sharp, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit first sergeant. "These people provide an example for Airmen and peers to emulate and strive to be like."

"Just to be nominated is an honor itself," he said. "Everyone was there to support the nominees regardless if they took home a trophy."

Before the formal dinner and award ceremony began, nominees were presented with a medallion.

"The medallion ceremony is another opportunity to recognize the deserving nominees," said Senior Master Sgt. Christina Barker, mistress of ceremonies for the evening. "The medallion identified them as honorees and gave the opportunity for Col. Kenneth Todorov (23rd WG commander), Chief Master Sgt. Paul Burgess (23rd WG command chief) and other dignitaries to congratulate them in a more personal manner."

The awards banquet officially began with the singing of the National Anthem followed by the arrival of the official party and distinguished guests.

Distinguished guests included the mayors from Valdosta, Remerton and Hahira. Two former 23rd Wing commanders were also present for the ceremony.

Next, a fallen warrior tribute was held after the announcement of the event's nominees. A rifle, a helmet, a pair of boots and eight sets of dogtags were displayed on a small table, which served as a tribute to fallen warriors.

Following the tribute, Chaplain (Capt.) Daniel Thompson provided the invocation prior to the formal dinner.

Students from the Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham Airman Leadership School volunteered as servers providing dinner service for the event.

"The ALS students did a fabulous job volunteering as servers," said Sergeant Barker. "We got to see our Airmen giving back to the military and community, and providing a valuable asset to the evening."

The Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve's popular music group, "Reserve Generation", provided the entertainment for the event. The band represents the Air Force and Air Force Reserve at concerts held at high schools, colleges and universities in cities throughout the United States. They entertain thousands each year, performing a mix of contemporary adult songs, rhythm and blues.

Band members are professional Air Force musicians working in support of the Air Force Reserve and Air Force Recruiting and community relations objectives.

The final event of the night was the announcement of the 2008 Annual Award winners. The evening ended with closing remarks made by Colonel Todorov and Chief Burgess.

"I'm extremely proud of the nominees and winners--you've earned it," said Colonel Todorov. "Our people are the most precious assets and we're here to celebrate them. That's why this night is so special. I'm very optimistic that the year 2009 will be even better."

Congratulations to the 23rd Wing 2008 Annual Awards winners:

Airman of the Year
Senior Airman Quintin Echols, 23rd Operations Support Squadron

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
Tech. Sgt. Alvin Dyer, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron

Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
Senior Master Sgt. Terry Webb, 23rd Maintenance Operations Squadrons

Company Grade Officer of the Year
Capt. Kimberly Peters, 23rd Wing

First Sergeant of the Year
Master Sgt. Gregory Brown, 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron

Honor Guard Member of the Year
Staff Sgt. Angelo Brightwell, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Civilian of the Year-Wage Grade
Jose Hernandez, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron

Civilian of the Year-Technical, Clerical and Other
Kevin Moore, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron

Civilian of the Year-Professional and Analytical
Perry Tillman, 23rd Operations Support Squadron

Civilian of the Year-Non-Appropriated Funds Non-Supervisor
Ida Mays, 23rd Force Support Squadron

Civilian of the Year-Non-Appropriated Funds Supervisor
Kim Pfender, 23rd Force Support Squadron