Moody hosts 2014 Annual Awards to recognize Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillian Bamman
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Members of the 23d Wing recently attended the 2014 Annual Awards Ceremony that recognized exceptional Airmen Feb. 6, here.

Out of 69 nominees, 11 Airmen, ranging from an airman first class to a lieutenant colonel, received an annual award for their superior service in 2014.

"[The annual awards ceremony] takes the time to recognize our Airmen from Moody that go beyond their day-to-day job," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jacqueline Haro, 23d Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor. "They're the ones constantly seeking out opportunities to better themselves as human beings and help as many people as possible. They deserve that recognition."

Last year, the 23d WG introduced the Parker and Dr. Lucy Greene Exceptional Service Award that was presented to Haro for her work with the Air Force Sergeants Association and 23d Maintenance Group.

"It was a nice surprise," said Haro. "I didn't have an annual awards package last year because I was doing those community efforts and base outreach programs because I wanted to. But to be recognized was pretty cool. It enabled me to inspire others to get involved."

The winner of this year's Exceptional Service Award went to Tech. Sgt. Michael Sessions, 723d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flight line expeditor, for his work, volunteer and educational achievements.

"I like helping out around the base, I've been doing it since I was a two-striper," said Sessions. "Being the go-getter who volunteers for the good and the bad pays off. If you keep that mindset up, the people around you will notice."

To close the ceremony, Col. Chad Franks, 23d Wing commander, spoke to the crowd and gave recognition to the winners and nominees.

"When I get a chance to recognize our Airmen, I do it," said Franks. "Some of our nominees are downrange right now doing the mission, killing the bad guys and saving the good guys... and that's why I say we're the greatest wing in the Air Force."

Here are the 23d Wing's 2014 Annual Awards winners.

-Airman of the Year

Senior Airman Jessica Burrell, 347th Rescue Group

-NCO of the Year

Tech. Sgt. Selma Stinson, 23d Medical Group

-Senior NCO of the Year

Master Sgt. Daniel Cain, 23d Maintenance Group

-First Sergeant of the Year

Master Sgt. Mark Diehl, 23d Maintenance Group

-Company Grade Officer of the Year

Capt. Stephen Bernero, 23d Mission Support Group

-Field Grade Officer of the Year

Maj. Zachary Laird, 23d Fighter Group

-Civilian of the year, Professional and Analytical

Mr. Terry McCard, 23d Mission Support Group

-Civilian of the Year, Technical, Clerical and Other

Mrs. Lori Riley, 23d Mission Support Group

-Honor Guardsman of the Year

Airman 1st Class Maximilian Bause, 23d Component Maintenance Squadron

-Spouse of the Year

Mrs. Michelle Walpole

-Parker and Dr. Lucy Greene Service Award

Tech. Sgt. Michael Sessions, 23d Maintenance Group