2011 Awards Announced

The Awards Committee met at AFA Headquarters on June 27. Please see the list of recipients for both Aerospace and Field Awards below. Congratulations to the winners!

AEROSPACE AWARDS

Awards presented at AFA’s Anniversary Dinner
Wednesday, September 21, 2011

H. H. ARNOLD AWARD
For the most significant contribution by a military member for national defense
Duncan J. McNabb, Gen, USAF
USTRANSCOM
Scott AFB, Illinois

JOHN R. ALISON AWARD
For the most outstanding contribution by industrial leadership to national defense
United Launch Alliance for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle
Managed by the Launch and Range Systems Directorate of the Space and Missile Systems Center
Los Angeles AFB, California

W. STUART SYMINGTON AWARD
For the most significant contribution by a civilian for national defense
Representative C.W. Bill Young
(R – Florida)

AFA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Recognizes not a single achievement, but a lifetime of work in the advancement of aerospace

Mrs. Natalie W. Crawford
Senior Fellow, RAND Corporation

Thomas P. Stafford, Lt Gen, USAF (Ret)

Larry D. Welch, Gen, USAF (Ret)

Heavy Bombardment Crews of WWII

The Commando Sabre Operation – Call Sign “MISTY”

AFA CHAIRMAN’S AEROSPACE EDUCATION AWARD
For long term commitment to aerospace education making a significant impact across the nation
National Science Foundation
Arlington, Virginia

Awards presented at the Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition
Opening and Awards Ceremonies, Monday, September 19, 2011

JOAN ORR AIR FORCE SPOUSE OF THE YEAR AWARD
For civilian spouses of military members for their significant contributions to the United States Air Force
Mrs. Sarah J. Greenlee
3^rd Operations Support Squadron
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
For the most outstanding performance of duty as a VA employee
Dr. Stephen R. Holt, Col, USAF (Ret)
VA North Texas Health Care System
Dallas, Texas

DAVID C. SCHILLING AWARD
For the most outstanding contribution in the field of flight
The United States Air Force’s Aeromedical Evacuation Teams

THEODORE VON KARMAN AWARD For the most outstanding contribution in the field of science and engineering
AFRL Research Laboratory For Alternative Fuels

GILL ROBB WILSON AWARD
For the most outstanding contribution in the field of arts and letters
Nathan L. Gallahan, TSgt, USAF
28^th Bomb Wing
Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota

HOYT S. VANDENBERG AWARD
For the most outstanding contribution in the field of aerospace education
Dana H. Born, Brig Gen, USAF
And the Collaborative Undergraduate Education Programs at the United States Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, Colorado

GEN GEORGE C. KENNEY AWARD
For the most significant contribution by an individual or team in the area of lessons learned
Air Force Fort Hood Follow-On Review Team Headquarters Air Force
Manpower, Personnel and Services
Washington, District of Columbia

THOMAS P. GERRITY AWARD
For the most outstanding contribution in the field of systems and logistics
Sean K. Tyler, Lt Col, USAF
436^th Logistics Readiness Squadron
Dover AFB, Delaware

GEN BILLY MITCHELL AWARD FOR C⁴ EXCELLENCE
For the C4 professional who most enhanced the United States Air Force's warfighting capability
Ira J. Begley, III, SSgt, USAF
1^st Air and Space Communications Operations Squadron
Ramstein AB, Germany

LT GEN CLAIRE LEE CHENNAULT AWARD
For outstanding aerial warfare tactician(s) from ACC, PACAF, USAFE, ANG and AFRC
Joshua L. Kubacz, Capt, USAF
510th Fighter Squadron
Aviano AB, Italy

GEN LARRY D. WELCH AWARD
For the most significant impact by an individual on the overall operations, safety, security and effectiveness of the Air Force nuclear mission
Frank G. Klotz, Lt Gen, USAF (Ret)
Former Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command

CITATIONS OF HONOR
For the outstanding contribution of an individual or organization to the development of aerospace power for the betterment of mankind

Mr. James Clark
Director, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Innovations
HQ US Air Force
Washington, District of Columbia

Mr. William A. Davidson
Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force
Washington, District of Columbia

621^st Contingency Response Wing
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey

42^nd Attack Squadron
Creech AFB, Nevada

Dr. Richard P. Hallion
Donald C. Wurster, Lt Gen, USAF (Ret)
Former Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command

Air National Guard

EARL T. RICKS AWARD
For the Air National Guard person or persons for outstanding airmanship
Not Awarded for 2011

CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT DICK RED AWARD
For outstanding Air National Guard aerospace maintenance
Randall K. Wilkison, CMSgt, USAF
153^rd Maintenance Group
Wyoming Air National Guard

AIR NATIONAL GUARD OUTSTANDING UNIT AWARD
For the Air National Guard Unit with the most outstanding airmanship
171^st Air Refueling Wing
Pennsylvania Air National Guard

GEORGE W. BUSH AWARD for ANG Members and Employers
To recognize outstanding civilian employers of Air National Guard members who made outstanding contributions to the total force mission
Enlisted Category
Not Awarded for 2011
Officer Category
Eric K. Pauer, Lt Col, USAF
Joint Forces Headquarters
Massachusetts Air National Guard
and
ITT Electronic Systems Nashua, New Hampshire

Air Force Reserve Command

PRESIDENT'S AWARD FOR AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMAND
For the Air Force Reserve unit which displays outstanding flying achievement and continued superior performance
Michael J. Remualdo, Lt Col, USAF
Benjamin R. Evans, Maj, USAF, and
Ronald W. Davis, SSgt, USAF
465th Air Refueling Squadron
Tinker AFB, Oklahoma

AIR FORCE RESERVE UNIT AWARD
For the Air Force Reserve Unit which displays superior performance and outstanding achievements
452^nd Air Mobility Wing
March ARB, California

CITIZEN AIRMEN AWARDS
To recognize outstanding civilian employers of the Air Force Reserve members who made outstanding contributions to the total force mission

Enlisted Category
Not Yet Received

Officer Category
Tomas J. Sohayda, Maj, USAF
96^th Flying Training Squadron
Laughlin AFB, Texas
and
NetJets, Inc.
Columbus, Ohio

Education

OUTSTANDING ROTC CADET OF THE YEAR
Cadet Colonel Matthew B. Stazenski
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Prescott, Arizona

CIVIL AIR PATROL AEROSPACE EDUCATION CADET OF THE YEAR
Cadet Captain Robert J. Lewis
Great Mills, Maryland

Professional
CHAPLAIN CORPS AWARD
For outstanding performance by a member of the United States Air Force Chaplain Corps
Chaplain Chad W. Zielinski, Capt, USAF United States Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, CO

PAUL W. MYERS AWARD
For the Air Force Medical Corps Officer who has made the most significant contribution to the continued good health of the men and women of the United States Air Force
Jeremy W. Cannon, Lt Col, USAF
59^th Medical Operations Group
Lackland AFB, Texas

JUANITA REDMOND AWARD
For the Air Force nurse (Lt or Capt) who has provided a significant contribution to health care of an Air Force individual or family, excellence in clinical nursing or improvement in nursing care
Angelique D. Simpson, Capt, USAF
59^th Medical Wing
Lackland AFB, Texas

STUART R. REICHART AWARD
For the most outstanding achievement in the field of law within the United States Air Force
Mr. David E. Sprowls
Office of the Judge Advocate General
Washington, District of Columbia

AFMC MANAGEMENT AWARD (EXECUTIVE DIVISION)
For outstanding contributions to management while assigned to Air Force Materiel Command
William D. Hack, Col, USAF
Propulsion Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

VERNE ORR AWARD
For the best utilization of human resources in the United States Air Force
455^th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron
Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan

OUTSTANDING CIVILIAN SENIOR MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Ms. Brenda W. Cook 633^rd Civil Engineer Squadron
Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia

CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AIR FORCE THOMAS N. BARNES AWARD
For the most outstanding aircraft crew chief in the United States Air Force
Bobby Elzie, SSgt, USAF
8^th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea

Crews and Teams
HOWARD W. LEAF AWARD
For outstanding achievement by a United States Air Force test team engaged in the test and evaluation of a defense acquisition program
Dragon Spear Operational Test Team
18^th Flight Test Squadron
Hurlburt Field, Florida

LT GEN WILLIAM H. TUNNER AWARD
For the most outstanding airlift crew in the United States Air Force
The Crew of MOOSE 85
14^th Airlift Squadron
Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina

BRIG GEN ROSS G. HOYT AWARD
For the best air refueling crew (Active, ANG or Reserve) in the United States Air Force
The Crew of Woody 27 9^th Special Operations Squadron
Eglin AFB, Florida

GEN CURTIS E. LEMAY AWARD
For the best overall bomber aircrew in the United States Air Force
The Crew of BONE 21
9^th Bomb Squadron
Dyess AFB, Texas

GEN THOMAS S. POWER AWARD
For the best overall missile crew in the United States Air Force
Daniel R. Moore, Capt, USAF
Stephen McVay, 1 Lt, USAF
90th Missile Wing
Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming

GEN JEROME O'MALLEY AWARD
For the best reconnaissance crew in the United States Air Force
Charles G. Cameron, Capt, USAF
99^th Reconnaissance Squadron
Beale AFB, California

BEST SPACE OPERATIONS CREW AWARD
For the best overall space operations crew in the United States Air Force
The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Operations Crew
3^rd Space Experimentation Squadron
Schriever AFB, Colorado

AIRBORNE BATTLE MANAGEMENT CREW OF THE YEAR AWARD
For the outstanding AWACs or Joint Stars aircrew’s battle management contribution to the United States Air Force and air power
Crew Eight
128th Airborne Command and Control Squadron
Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System
116^th Air Control Wing
Robins AFB, Georgia

Presented at Special Banquet
Monday, September 19, 2011

Outstanding Airmen of the Year
For recipients selected by the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force as the best enlisted personnel in the Air Force
Daniel T. Skidmore, SrA, USAF 21^st Special Tactics Squadron
Pope AFB, North Carolina

Jordan S. Bishopp, SSgt, USAF
377^th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight
Kirtland AFB, New Mexico

Patrick D. Jones, SMSgt, USAF
375^th Civil Engineering Squadron
Scott AFB, Illinois

David L. Newman, SMSgt, USAF
United States Strategic Command
Offutt AFB, Nebraska

Bradley A. Williams, TSgt, USAF
5^th Logistics Readiness Squadron
Minot AFB, North Dakota

Nora L. Limjoco, SrA, USAF
30^th Medical Operations Squadron
Vandenberg AFB, California

Ricardo A. Chavez, TSgt, USAF 433^rd Training Squadron
Lackland AFB, Texas

Dustin K. Goodwin, TSgt, USAF
48^th Security Forces Squadron
RAF Lakenheath, England

Kathleen M. McCool, SMSgt, USAF Headquarters Air Force Recruiting Squadron
Randolph AFB, Texas

John C. Norris, SSgt, USAF
148^th Air Support Operations Squadron
Pennsylvania Air National Guard

Ulla B. Stromberg, SrA, USAF 99^th Medical Operations Squadron
Nellis AFB, Nevada

Raven S. Taylor, SrA, USAF
354^th Medical Operations Squadron
Eielson AFB, Alaska

Awards for Presentations at the Award Recipient’s Location

OUTSTANDING CIVILIAN PROGRAM MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Mr. Isaiah Whittaker
533^rd Training Squadron
Vandenberg AFB, California

OUTSTANDING CIVILIAN PROGRAM SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR
Ms. Christine E. Bushby
42^nd Force Support Squadron
Maxwell AFB, Alabama

OUTSTANDING CIVILIAN WAGE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Mr. Scott R. Reu
315^th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina

GEN EDWIN W. RAWLINGS AWARD (MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICIAN CATEGORIES)
For outstanding achievements in the field of environmental conservation within the United States Air Force

Management
Mr. Damiano Rigo
31^st Civil Engineer Squadron
Aviano AB, Italy

Technician
Mr. Rodney T. Gilbert
547^th Intelligence Squadron
Nellis AFB, Nevada

AFMC MANAGEMENT AWARD
For outstanding contributions to management while assigned to Air Force Materiel Command

Middle Division
Mr. Dirk J. Anderson
North American Aerospace Defense Command
Cheyenne Mountain Complex – Integrated Tactical Warning/Attack Assessment
Peterson AFB, Colorado

Junior Division
Mr. Joseph P. Lepine
B-52 Sustainment Division
Aerospace Sustainment Directorate
Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center
Tinker AFB, Oklahoma

FIELD AWARDS

AFA INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS – 2011
(as of 7/28/11)

MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Steve Lundgren, AK

DISTINGUISHED SUSTAINED AEROSPACE EDUCATION AWARD
Susan Mallett, AL

CHAIRMAN’S CITATION
Debbie Estrem, CO
Carlene Joseph, WA
Michael Peters, CA
Ronald Powell, SC
Walter Saeger, UT
Jerry West, NC
William Yucuis, FL

CENTRAL EAST REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
Sam Bass, MD
Joyce Byington-Clark, VA
Gina Giles, VA
John Huggins, MD
Kevin Lavin, VA
Bill Oldham, DE
Lisa Pembleton, VA
Bill Thomas, MD
John Thomas, MD
Jim Tubbs, VA
Vince Wisniewski, VA

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD
Rene Bergeron, DC
Nancy Cribb, VA
Frederick Knowles, VA
Gavin MacAloon, VA
Wade McRoberts, VA
Jimmy Ruth, VA
Stan Stevens, VA

FAR WEST REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
Eugene Alfaro, CA
Lance Bleakley, HI
Rex Moen, CA
Edward Nacey, CA
Dominic Napoli, CA

Kathy Phillips, CA
Nora Ruebrook, HI
Sandy Stultz, CA

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD
Ron Azarcon, CA
Ray Coughlin, CA
Richard Stultz, CA

FLORIDA REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
Sharon Branch, FL
Gary Cornell, FL
Ransom Meriam, FL
Megan Tucker, FL
Barbara Walters-Phillips, FL
Ernest Webster, FL

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD Dann Mattiza, FL
Steve Czonstka, FL

GREAT LAKES REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
Mary Bloyd, OH
Richard Mrozinski, IN
Gerald Romine, IN
Natalie Ross, IN
Craig Spanburg, IN
Lori Stone, OH
Robert Van Hook, OH

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD
Jeff Liffick, OH

MIDWEST REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
Luke Ascherl, IA

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD
John Daly, NE
Ron Major, IA
Robert Tovado, NE

NEW ENGLAND REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
William Hassey, MA
Marlene Jarvis, MA
Christopher Jones, MA
Paul Zauner, MA

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD
Richard Codling, MA
Amanda Gustafson, MA
Alan Shoemaker, MA

NORTH CENTRAL REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
Bonnie Goldschmidt, ND
Daniel Murphy, MN
Lois Nelson, ND
David Pohlen, MN

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD
Ron Garcia, ND
Paul Goldschmidt, ND

NORTHEAST REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
Jo Bair, NJ
Emily Brand, NJ
Jerry Iacona, NJ
Howard Leach, NJ
Douglas Lengenfelder, PA
Stephen Lipski, Jr., NJ
Mary Lower, NJ
Norman Mathews, NJ
Joseph Pow, NY
Alfred Smith, NY

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD
William Burns, PA

NORTHWEST REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
Roger Cory, WA
Jeannie Dougherty, WA
David Lobban, WA
Regina McDaniel, WA
Bruce Seiber, WA

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD
Robert Branscomb, WA

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
Judee Albert, CO
Edward Felleson, UT
Carol Holland, WY
Charlie Parker, UT
Henry Scarangella, CO
Leslie Swidecki, WY
Mary Thompson, WY

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARDS
Jeanin Damery, CO
Robert George, UT
David Shiller, CO
Brandon Strong, UT

SOUTH CENTRAL REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
Joe Andrew, AL
Guy Broadhurst, AL
George Carrithers, AR
Gary Connor, AL
Debbie Dahl, AL

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARDS
Russell Lewey, AL
Betty McCoy, AL
Wes Padgett, AL
Arthur Wellinger, AR

SOUTHEAST REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
Timothy Callahan, GA
Michael Hartsfield, NC
Alicia Hughes, NC
Michael Hughes, SC
Gilbert Slack, NC

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARDS
Lew Feuerstein, NC
Sam Finklea, SC

SOUTHWEST REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
Jo Ellen Braner, NV
Gene Fenstermacher, AZ
Gregory Fertig, NM
G. Dwight Harp, NM
HW “Bill” Ryan, AZ
Daniel Whalen, NM

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARDS
Harry Bailey, AZ
Joe Marvin, AZ
Thomas Rowney, AZ

TEXOMA REGION

MEDAL OF MERIT
Tammy Bryant, TX
Mary Feightner, OK
Stan Griel, OK
Robert Kjar, TX
David Pope, TX
Douglas Nelson, TX
Mark Tarpley, OK

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARDS
Riq Baldwin, OK
William Coggins, TX
Kelly Jones, TX
Jerry McMahan, OK
Scott Northcutt, OK

AFA UNIT AWARD WINNERS – 2011

OUTSTANDING STATE ORGANIZATION
Florida – President James B. Connors

D.W. STEELE SR. MEMORIAL AWARD (UNIT OF THE YEAR)
Lance P. Sijan, CO – President Kevin Estrem

OUTSTANDING SMALL CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
Leigh Wade, VA – President Gary Metzinger

OUTSTANDING LARGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
Paul Revere, MA – President Joseph Magnone

OUTSTANDING EXTRA LARGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
Claude Farinha Gold Rush, CA – President Paul Bonnier

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD (BEST SINGLE PROGRAM)
Hurlburt, FL – President Dann Mattiza

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD (COMMUNICATIONS)
Central Florida, FL – President William Yucuis

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD (COMMUNITY PARTNERS)
Meridian Chapter, MS – President Wilburt Easom

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD (COMMUNITY RELATIONS)
Eglin, FL – President Howard Oakes

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD (OVERALL PROGRAMMING)
Hurlburt, FL – President Dann Mattiza

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AWARD (VETERANS AFFAIRS)
LTC BD “Buzz” Wagner, PA – President WilliamBurns

AEROSPACE EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARD – SMALL CHAPTER
Fort Dodge, IA – President Luke Ascherl

AEROSPACE EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARD – MEDIUM CHAPTER
Lincoln, NE – President Mary McGahan

AEROSPACE EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARD – LARGE CHAPTER
Cheyenne Cowboy, WY – President Irene Johnigan

AEROSPACE EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARD – EXTRA LARGE CHAPTER
Central Florida, FL – President William Yucuis

Membership Awards

Storz Chapter Award
Miami-Homestead Chapter, FL

Jack Gross Award
Chapter Larger than 1100:
Montgomery Chapter, AL

Extra Large Chapter:
Paul Revere Chapter, MA

Large Chapter:
Robert H. Goddard Chapter, CA

Medium Chapter:
Miami-Homestead Chapter, FL

Small Chapter:
MIG Alley Chapter, AP

Community Partner Gold Awards
Altus Chapter, OK
Cheyenne Cowboy Chapter, WY
Col. H M Bud West Chapter, FL
Enid Chapter, OK
Fairbanks Midnight Sun Chapter, AK
Fort Wayne Chapter, IN
Gen. David C. Jones Chapter, ND
Happy Hooligan Chapter, ND
Lance Sijan Chapter, CO
Leigh Wade Chapter, VA
Lloyd Leavitt Jr. Chapter, MI
McChord Field Chapter, WA
Mercer County Chapter, NJ
Meridian Chapter, MS
MIG Alley Chapter, AP
Montgomery Chapter, AL
Northeast Texas Chapter, TX
Steel Valley Chapter, OH
Swamp Fox Chapter, SC
William J."Pete" Knight Chapter, CA>

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