SSgt Timothy Bishop was a Joint Terminal Attack Controller with the 607th Air Support Operations Group, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea at the time of his nomination.

Sergeant Bishop was selected as the Pacific Air Forces Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. While deployed to Afghanistan he planned, requested and controlled 120 close air support coalition forces missions. He allowed Special Forces teams to maneuver and eliminated threats in a 4,600 square kilometer area. His exceptional support and calmness under fire, contributed to two Special Forces team's survival during a 48-hour firefight. He earned the Bronze Star with Valor for his efforts. Sergeant Bishop controlled AC-130 and A-10 aircraft during crash recovery operations, safely recovering coalition personnel and equipment. He also contributed to more than 100,000 enemy munitions being seized or destroyed. Warrior-minded, he trained 24 Special Forces team members on close air support tactics, prepared eight joint terminal attack controller teams for Global War on Terror missions and developed seven pre-deployment training programs.

A caring professional, he helped distribute 1,000 pounds of food and supplies to Afghan people. At home station, he teaches self-defense classes, and is on the base patrol.

Sergeant Bishop entered the Air Force in 2000. After completing tactical air control technical training he headed to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. After serving nearly five years there, he transferred to Osan AB, Korea in 2005 for a one-year remote tour. From there he cross-trained into a position with the Office of Special Investigations and is now an OSI Agent based at Andrews AFB, Maryland.

SrA Polly-Jan Bobseine is a Journeyman in the 823rd Security Forces Squadron at Moody AFB, Georgia.

Airman Bobseine was named Air Combat Command’s Security Forces Flight Level Airman of the Year. She deployed to Iraq and conducted 187 days of high-risk operations. Her participation in 45 offensive missions helped cut indirect fire attacks on Balad Air Base by 95 percent. Airman Bobseine discovered an improvised explosive device at an Iraqi polling center and quickly evacuated and secured the area for explosive ordnance disposal teams. While at Kirkuk AB, she was selectively chosen for off-base operations and conducted more than 100 combat patrols covering 63 square miles. She executed 12 traffic control points, providing critical weapons trafficking deterrent. Her patrol discovered a large munitions cache and provided security for EOD demolition.

Striving for warrior knowledge, she earned Marine Jump Wings, completed Air Force Sniper School, the US Army Air Assault Course, Combat Life Saver Course, and rigorous US Army Airborne School. Airman Bobseine has 30 flight hours toward her private pilot’s license. She is also an active volunteer, logging 30 hours for a cancer research organization and more than 50 hours caring for combat wounded.

Airman Bobseine entered the Air Force in 2003. After completing security forces training she volunteered for her current position, which is a special duty assignment within the security forces career field.

SSgt Daniel F. Dierickx is an air traffic control craftsman with the 270th Air Traffic Control Squadron, Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Sergeant Dierickx volunteered to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and to extend an additional 120 days when personnel manning dropped to unacceptable levels. He was fully certified to control aircraft at Sather AB, Iraq in only three days after arrival. His quick reaction controlled a battle-damaged emergency Marine helicopter landing on the civilian portion of the airfield without delaying local traffic and while conducting crash rescue response and host nation coordination. He ensured Army and Air Force pilots understood and complied with complex Iraqi civil air authority rules. Overcoming language issues and differing rules, he forged a joint U.S. and Iraqi control team for 13,000 monthly operations. He was the deployed watch supervisor’s choice when traffic complexity dictated the need for an understanding and enthusiastic controller.

He’s dedicated to increasing his knowledge base by simultaneously working on his Associates Degree from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor’s Degree from Thomas Edison University. In addition, he generously gives his time serving as a Big Brother for a Christian Youth Center.

Sergeant Dierickx enlisted in the Air National Guard shortly after his junior year in high school and entered basic training in June 2002. After completing air traffic control training at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, he returned to Klamath Falls to serve as a traditional national guardsman.

SSgt Jeffrey Hansen is an explosive ordnance disposal craftsman with the 49th Civil Engineering Squadron, Holloman AFB, New Mexico.

Sergeant Hansen led joint task force operations for 210 days in an austere Iraqi location. He led a team responding to 31 improvised explosive device incidents. The quick reaction reopened crucial supply routes and ensured warfighter movement. In addition, he defeated a 650-pound vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in less than 55 minutes, saving lives and property. Sergeant Hansen’s supervision of 29 blast investigations yielded intelligence that led to the capture of two bomb makers. His expertise continued to reduce attacks when he discovered an insurgent ammunition source and destroyed 47 rockets. He shared his expertise by training 16 special operations soldiers on complex demolition techniques, increasing combat capability and effectiveness.

His self-taught Spanish and Arabic languages helped honor local culture and translate American needs. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, graduating Magna Cum Laude and is aggressively seeking a private pilot’s license. Sergeant Hansen has already completed an 8-week Federal Aviation Administration ground school and five hours flight time. He also helped raise over $2,000 for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial and scholarship funds.

Sergeant Hansen entered the Air Force in 1997. After training in Florida and Maryland, he was assigned to Spangdahlem AB, Germany then on to Malmstrom AFB, Montana before transferring to his current position in 2004.

SMSgt Michael T. Lemke is a contracting superintendent with the 90th Contracting Squadron, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.

Sergeant Lemke is a combat-hardened Senior NCO who managed to execute $78 million in contracts during a 5-month deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom. One of his high impact contracts while deployed to Baghdad, Iraq was a $5 million rapid base build-up project that quickly housed 12,000 coalition forces. He wrote the first-ever Iraq-wide contract valued at $60 million to provide trailers for billeting; improving deployed troops' quality of life. He also organized a $6 million contract for the buildup of 230 facilities near Fallujah, housing 2,000 Marines. During the Iraqi elections he sourced bus service in hours versus days; ensuring voters reached polling sites in Baghdad. He directed a secure satellite phone service contract to provide vital communication and served as a lifeline for convoys.

He used his experience to author a contingency training plan cited as an Air Force Space Command Inspector General "best practice." The plan was adopted by Army and Air Force units. He garnered the John L. Levitow Award at the Senior Noncommissioned Officer's Academy and the 2005 Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award, given to one graduate annually for top leadership skills. His assistance with upgrade projects for an inner-city school and role as a junior church ministry leader helped local youth excel.

Sergeant Lemke enlisted in the Air Force in January 1987 and held various assignments including Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota; Wuescheim AS, Germany; and Hahn AB, Germany. He then was selected for a special duty assignment as a Military Training Instructor at Lackland AFB, Texas. After a three-year tour, he headed to Camp Bullis, Texas to be a Combat Skills Instructor. In 1999, Sergeant Lemke cross-trained into the contracting career field and was assigned to Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. He took a remote tour assignment in 2002, and then returned to Wyoming for his current assignment.

SMSgt Henry Parker, III is the 65th Services Squadron Superintendent, Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal.

Sergeant Parker was named the United States Air Forces Europe Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. During a 120-day deployment, for a period of 45 days he piloted the largest combat support and resource management flights in his area of responsibility. He led 45 troops, oversaw 15 facilities, 33 programs and $41 million in equipment. His efforts during the deployment generated $102 thousand in Non-Appropriated Funds, serving as a quality of life boost for 6,000 U.S. and Coalition war-fighters. He engineered a $250 thousand education facility project, requisitioned $2.1 million in supplies and equipment to ensure force sustainment and co-authored a $30,000 barber contingency contract to prevent work stoppage.

At home station, during a six-month vacancy, Sergeant Parker served as the Business Flight Chief. He orchestrated a club transformation plan that rescued the base club’s dining room function with contract operation, resulting in an annual savings of $200,000. He led the base honor guard during 34 details, served as an adjunct instructor for the wing mentor program and was the Lajes Top-3 Vice President. In addition, he was the Commandant Award winner for Class 05-E, Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy.

Sergeant Parker enlisted in the Air Force in 1987. After attending training he began his career at McConnell AFB, Kansas. His other assignments included Royal Air Force Fairford, England; Aviano AB, Italy; Spangdahlem AB, Germany; and Pope AFB, North Carolina. He then volunteered for a special duty assignment as a Military Training Instructor at Lackland AFB, Texas. In September, 2004 he returned to the services career field and was reassigned to his current duty station, Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal.

Senior Airman Eric J. Pena is a Combat Arms Instructor with the 349th Security Forces Squadron, Travis AFB, California.

Airman Pena volunteered for a 6-month deployment to Baghdad, Iraq to support detainee operations. Once there, he was hand-selected for the Protective Service Detail for the Deputy Commanding General of Multi-National Force-134. He served as the primary turret gunner for all convoy movements of the general within greater Baghdad and provided aerial protection duties for him during flights into Iraqi locations. His professionalism led to the coveted duty of providing internal and external security for U.S. military legal personnel working in the Central Criminal Court of Iraq; ensuring 100 percent personnel safety despite numerous indirect fire and small arms attacks while conducting more than 110 mounted and dismounted movements within and outside the Baghdad International Zone. In addition, he assisted the U.S. Marshal Service in instructing more than 150 Iraqi Police and Iraqi Facility Protective Service personnel in approved handcuffing and search and control techniques. He won the hearts and minds of Iraqi families by volunteering off-duty time to provide security for convoys delivering food and clothing. He continues to support needy children in the Travis area by donating time and supplies.

Airman Pena entered the Air Force Reserves in 2002. After completing Security Forces Technical School and Combat Arms Technical School, he was assigned to Travis and has served as a Patrolman, Entry Controller, Emergency Services Team member and Combat Arms lead instructor.

SSgt David L. Plachno is an airborne communications systems operator with the Presidential Airlift Squadron, Andrews AFB, Maryland.

Sergeant Plachno was selected as the 2005 White House Military Office Junior Enlisted Member of the Year. He made history by being the first senior airman airborne communications system operator to fully qualify to fly missions with the President. He earned the highest qualification grade on his initial checkride in the VC-25 aircraft and was certified in record time. His flawless execution of more than 30 sorties directly supporting the President provided superb communications capabilities. The Vice President and Secretary of State both praised his communication support during their overseas official travels. Sergeant Plachno’s management of an Asian Tsunami relief mission for former Presidents Clinton and Bush was dubbed a complete success. Expert knowledge and attention to detail led to his selection as liaison to the Presidential staff for all communications training on the C-32 aircraft. Continuing to excel outside his duty section, he was the John L. Levitow Award recipient at Airman Leadership School and scored 100 percent on the Air Force fitness evaluation. He is a mentor for elementary school students and the Washington D.C. Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program.

Sergeant Plachno entered the Air Force in June 2000. After completing technical training at Keesler AFB, Mississippi as an honor graduate, he was assigned to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, until the unit closed 16 months later. From there he was assigned to the 1st Airlift Squadron, a selectively-manned unit. His job knowledge and leadership skills led him to be hand-selected into the Presidential Airlift Squadron. He was the first Airman hired for the squadron, which is normally manned by technical sergeants and above.

MSgt Bradley T. Reilly is a Combat Control Craftsman with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Sergeant Reilly, a seasoned combat veteran, was recognized for his exceptional performance under intense enemy fire that resulted in special operations forces mission success during a Quick Reaction Force Operation. His expert terminal attack control, marksmanship, medical skills and decisive reaction to teammates' battlefield injuries saved American and Coalition lives. He was wounded during combat operations in Central Afghanistan and earned the Purple Heart and Silver Star medals. As the only joint terminal attack controller assigned to Army Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team, Sergeant Reilly coordinated all close air support coverage for 30 mounted and dismounted highly critical combat patrols. In addition, he established a forward landing zone in which he conducted air traffic control services, landing multiple combat sorties bringing in critical supplies to the Army Special Forces in the field.

An articulate speaker, he is consistently asked to share his unit's mission and accomplishments. He briefed the House Armed Services Sub-Committee and the Air Force Association Convention, increasing their understanding of combat capabilities.

Sergeant Reilly entered the Air Force in 2001 to become a combat controller, after serving more than 12 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. After graduating from the Advance Skills Training Program, he was assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron and has deployed twice to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

SSgt Elizabeth E. Sewell is a personnel employment journeyman with the 71st Flying Training Wing, Vance AFB, Oklahoma.

Sergeant Sewell was recognized as an “Outstanding Performer” in the 2005 Operational Readiness Inspection. The Air Education and Training Command Financial Manager lauded her as “Number One Case Management System Program Manager.” She engineered a gain process for first-assignment instructor pilots that was benchmarked by two other bases. Her complete revamping of the wing in-processing procedures led to 386 Airmen processed error free. She corrected 92 discrepancies in availability codes saving $700,000 and prevented erroneous permanent change of station moves and retirements. In addition, her retooling of an antiquated office accessions process slashed time from three months per person to only one hour. She also flawlessly executed three deployment exercises, processing 265 members and records. Her briefing to 30 new military spouses during the “Heartlink” seminar provided valuable benefit and services information to Air Force family members.

The Air Force Sergeant’s Association Chapter 990 named her “First Term Airman of the Year.” As a base honor guard member, she dedicated 174 hours for details, wrote 12 decorations and trained 25 new members. She was the 71st Mission Support Squadron’s Women’s Heritage Award winner for selfless contributions to community, workplace and home.

Sergeant Sewell entered the Air Force in 2002. After completing basic training, she headed to Keesler AFB, Mississippi to attend personnel apprentice training before arriving in Oklahoma.

TSgt Billy D. Tramel Jr. was the noncommissioned officer in charge of the fire suppression section with the 75th Civil Engineering Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah at the time of his nomination.

Sergeant Tramel was selected as the Air Force Materiel Command Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. He deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in direct support of U.S. Army combat operations for 129 days. As the sole liaison to the Iraqi Oil Delegation for Multinational Strategic Infrastructure Security/Distro Response Center, he was the principal Air Force advisor for a 400,000 barrel-per-day Iraqi oil production. His tracking of oil pipeline and refinery attacks provided repair assessments for national oil tracking. He acquired and directed delivery of hardening materials for a critical river crossing in the oil supply line. In addition, he organized and led 20 convoys per month. When an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle, he quickly rendered first aid to an Army gunner and led dismounted recovery efforts ensuring a safe return of the team.

He also served as a first sergeant for the deployed Air Force detachment and handled a variety of issues. His forethought to salvage 1,300 beds and 75 tents from disposal drastically improved quality of life for 4,700 Iraqi soldiers. At his home station he is president of the 75th Air Base Wing Activities Committee.

Sergeant Tramel entered the Air Force in 1992. After completing Environmental Support Specialist technical training at Sheppard AFB, Texas, he was assigned to Minot AFB, North Dakota. From there he moved to the USAF Academy, then on to Osan AFB, Korea. He then returned to Sheppard AFB for a special duty assignment as a Utilities Systems Instructor and served there until he arrived at Hill AFB in 2004.

MSgt Renee L. Williams is a command equipment manager with the Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins AFB, Georgia.

Sergeant Williams was named as the Air Force Reserve Command’s Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. She eagerly volunteered to deploy to Southwest Asia and worked in the Combined Air Operations Center analyzing situation reports to determine where mission critical parts were needed. Her efforts contributed to 31,000 sorties being flown and her aggressive actions sourcing hard-to-find B-52 parts had aircraft flying combat missions in one day versus five. By expediting the purchase of 85 tons of runway repair material for Afghanistan bases, she cut pipeline time from 120 days to only 10. Through her guidance on pallet buildup, assets were ready to transport to United Nation’s earthquake relief efforts in Pakistan in under eight hours. Always budget-minded, she used military air to move parts, in lieu of commercial sources, cutting costs by $2,000. She also mastered four Air Force logistics-tracking programs, directly contributing to exceptional mission completion rates.

As a key Top 3 leader, she ran the base chapel’s dinner for single Airmen, helped raise $18,000 to support charitable projects, and sponsored a luncheon for 70 disabled veterans at a local nursing home.

Sergeant Williams entered the Air Force in 1988. Her first assignment was Luke AFB, Arizona. From there she went to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom and then on to Holloman AFB, New Mexico; Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea; Kadena AB, Japan; Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, and to her current position in 2004.

For questions concerning the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year program contact Lynette Cross at lcross@afa.org or call 1-800-727-3337 ext. 4807 or (703) 247-5800 ext. 4807; Air Force point of contact is HQ AFPC/DPPRS.