Air Force Association National Awards 2015

NATIONAL AEROSPACE AWARDS

H. H. Arnold Award Gill Robb Wilson Award Gen. George C. Kenney Award For the most signifi cant contribution by a Outstanding contribution in arts and letters Outstanding contribution in lessons learned military member to national defense Maj. Warren Neary, HQ AFRC, Robins Blue Devil Team, Sensors Directorate, Air Gen. Janet C. Wolfenbarger, USAF (Ret.), AFB, Ga. Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patter- Former Commander, Air Force Materiel son AFB, Ohio Command Hoyt S. Vandenberg Award Outstanding contribution in aerospace Lt. Gen. Claire L. Chennault Award W. Stuart Symington Award education Outstanding aerial warfare tactician For the most signifi cant contribution by a Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive! Capt. Keith Moore, 77th Fighter Squadron, civilian in the fi eld of national defense Shaw AFB, S.C. The Honorable William A. LaPlante, Assis- Thomas P. Gerrity Award tant Secretary of the Air Force, Acquisition Outstanding contribution in systems and Gen. Larry D. Welch Award logistics Outstanding contribution toward the nuclear John R. Alison Award Maj. Mark Heil, HQ AETC, JBSA-Ran- mission For the most outstanding contribution by dolph, Texas Col. Ryan Britton, Air Force Nuclear Weap- industrial leadership to national defense ons Center, Hill AFB, Utah F-22 Raptor, Lockheed Martin Thomas D. White Space Award Recognizing outstanding contributions to Joan Orr Award for Air Force Spouse of AFA Chairman’s Aerospace space the Year Education Award Lt. Gen. John W. Raymond, HQ AFSPC, For civilian spouses of military members for For long-term commitment to aerospace Vandenberg AFB, Calif. their signifi cant contributions to the United education, making a signifi cant impact States Air Force across the nation Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Stephanie L. Ewers, Air Force Global Northrop Grumman Foundation of the Year Strike Command, F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. Outstanding performance by VA employee David C. Schilling Award Michael F. Welch, Adaptive Sports CMSAF Thomas N. Barnes Award Outstanding contribution in the fi eld of fl ight Program Specialist, Washington, D.C. Most outstanding crew chief in the Air Force 16th Air Command and Control Squadron, SSgt. Andrew P. Vrahiotes, 86th Aircraft Robins AFB, Ga. Gen. Billy Mitchell Award for C4 Excel- Maintenance Squadron, Ramstein AB, lence Germany Theodore von Karman Award Outstanding contribution toward warfi ghting Outstanding contribution in science and capability engineering Capt. Nathaniel D. Amsden, 7th Intelligence X-37B, The Boeing Company Squadron, Fort George G. Meade, Md.

PROFESSIONAL, CIVILIAN, EDUCATION, MANAGEMENT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS

AFMC Management Award—Executive Chaplain Corps Award Paul W. Myers Award for Physicians Division SMSgt. Tommy Tipton, 633rd Air Base Maj. Danielle Cermak, 20th Medical Group, John D. Matyjas, Air Force Research Labo- Wing, JB Langley-Eustis, Va. Shaw AFB, S.C. ratory, Rome, N.Y. Civilian Program Manager of the Year* Stuart R. Reichart Award for Lawyers AFMC Management Award—Middle Lesley H. Bernys, 7th Field Investigations Col. Gordon Hammock, HQ ACC, JB Division* Squadron, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Langley-Eustis, Va. Lt. Col. Chad T. Searle, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Hill AFB, Utah Civilian Program Specialist of the Year* Verne Orr Award for Effective Utilization Michael A. Wadkins, 35th Force Support of Human Resources AFMC Management Award—Junior Squadron, Misawa AB, Japan 18th Wing, Kadena AB, Japan Division* Capt. Robert J. Mullinax, Air Force Sus- Civilian Senior Manager of the Year Gen. Edwin W. Rawlings Award— tainment Center, Tinker AFB, Okla. Pearl Mundt, 8th Field Investigations Re- Management gion, Peterson AFB, Colo. Not awarded for 2015. AFROTC Cadet of the Year Civilian Wage Employee of the Year* Cadet Brian Bilbo, Det. 765, The Citadel, Gen. Edwin W. Rawlings Award— Robert M. Crane, 5th Logistics Readiness Charleston, S.C. Technician Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D. Not awarded for 2015. CAP Aerospace Education Cadet of the Year Juanita Redmond Award for Nursing C/Maj. Caleb Couture, Central Missouri Capt. Bernadette Gabucan, 374th Surgical Composite Squadron, Mo. Operations Squadron, Yokota AB, Japan

*presented at recipient’s location

68 AIR FORCE Magazine / November 2015 AFA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Recognizes a lifetime of work in the advancement of aerospace.

GEN. MICHAEL V. HAYDEN, USAF (RET.) Gen. Michael V. Hayden served nearly 40 years in the Air Force. He also served as the director of the CIA and NSA and chief of the Central Security Service. Hayden is currently a principal at the Chertoff Group and a distinguished visiting professor at the George Mason University School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs. His memoir, Playing to the Edge: American Intelligence in the Age of Terror, is due out in early 2016.

R. A. “BOB” HOOVER R. A. “Bob” Hoover has thrilled millions of men, women, and children over the last fi ve decades with aerobatic fl ying maneuvers in his yellow P-51 Mustang. In addition, he has fl own more than 300 types of aircraft and fl ight tested or fl own nearly every type of fi ghter aircraft. He is a WWII combat veteran and the holder of several aviation records. Hoover was enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1988. The 2014 documentary “Flying the Feathered Edge” honors Hoover’s aviation achievements and contributions.

EUGENE F. “GENE” KRANZ Eugene F. “Gene” Kranz has dedicated more than 55 years of his life to serving his nation. From USAF fi ghter pilot and fl ight test engineer to a multitude of leadership roles with NASA, Kranz has impacted countless lives and advancements. He is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Nixon for the Apollo 13 mission, and was designated a distinguished member of the Senior Executive Service by President Reagan. Photos by Brittany Gray Brittany by Photos

Above left: Air Force Association Chairman of the Board Scott Van Cleef presented the Gen. H. H. Arnold Award for most sig- nifi cant contribution by a military member to national defense to retired Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger, former commander of Air Force Materiel Command.

Above: The W. Stuart Symington Award for most signifi cant contribution by a civilian in the fi eld of national defense was presented to Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisi- tion William LaPlante.

Left: Van Cleef presented the John R. Alison Award for the most outstanding contribution by industrial leadership to national defense to Lockheed Martin for its F-22 efforts. The award was accepted by Orlando Carvalho, Lockheed Martin executive vice president of aeronautics.

AIR FORCE Magazine / November 2015 69 CITATIONS OF HONOR

Outstanding contribution of an individual or organization to the development of aerospace power.

67th Cyberspace Operations Group 384th Air Refueling Squadron JBSA-Lackland, Texas McConnell AFB, Kan. The 67th Cyberspace Operations Group executed offensive cyber The leadership and expertise of the 384th Air Refueling Squadron operations in support of multiple combatant commanders, delivered was crucial to the fulfi llment of national objectives. The squadron led integrated effects against 109,395 combat targets, defeated numer- numerous fi rsts, to include spearheading the fi rst tanker deployment ous improvised explosive devices, and sparked the kill chain for in East Africa and refueling the fi rst day offensive in Syria. Finally, the direct action resulting in the decisive neutralization of more than 200 squadron led the ground breaking for the KC-46A and primed McCon- high-value targets. nell Air Force Base for the Air Force’s top acquisition priority worth $47 billion. 318th Special Operations Squadron Cannon AFB, N.M. 560th Flying Training Squadron The airmen of the 318th Special Operations Squadron excelled in JBSA-Randolph, Texas their contribution to national defense. The squadron provided critical Since 1973, the “Charging Cheetahs” have fl own 195 Freedom Flights air-to-ground support to assault forces, time-sensitive targeting, and and have returned more than 150 airmen to active fl ight status. In 2015, support to national air assets, and with short notice moved to a new the members of the 560th coordinated the 42nd Annual Freedom Flyer area of responsibility to combat an emerging enemy threat. During this Reunion and Symposium, the nation’s premier and longest running an- time, the unit directly contributed to 152 enemy forces killed and 20 nual Air Force POW reunion. More than 600 airmen were in attendance to high-value individuals captured. hear the fi rsthand accounts of 15 POWs. The squadron also serves as the guardian of Freedom Hall, one of only fi ve Air Force-sanctioned museums, showcasing hallowed Air Force heritage and artwork.

CREW AND TEAM AWARDS

Airborne Battle Management Crew for best airborne battle Space Operations Crew for best space operations crew: management crew: 1st Expeditionary Space Control Squadron, Rotation Team 10, 7th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron Peterson AFB, Colo. Combat Crew 5, 12th Airborne Command and Control Squadron, Robins AFB, Ga. Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner Award for best airlift aircrew: The crew of Anvil 54, Hurlburt Field, Fla. Brig. Gen. Ross G. Hoyt Award for best air refueling crew: The crew of Elite 60, 350th and 384th Refueling Squadrons, Mc- Lt. Gen. Howard W. Leaf Award for best test team: Connell AFB, Kan. 73rd Special Operations Squadron Tactics Team, Cannon AFB, N.M. Gen. Curtis E. LeMay Award for best bomber aircrew: 69th Bomb Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D. Gen. John P. Jumper Award for best remotely piloted aircraft crew in USAF: Gen. Jerome F. O’Malley Award for best reconnaissance crew: Pilot: Capt. Kenneth J. Winters The crew of Elite 72, 55th Wing, Offutt AFB, Neb. Sensor Operator: SSgt. John A. Jackson Mission Intelligence Coordinator: A1C Joel E. Campbell. Gen. Thomas S. Power Award for best missile combat crew: 741st Missile Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D.

AIR NATIONAL GUARD AND AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMAND AWARDS

CMSgt. Dick Red Award President’s Award for AFRC Best ANG maintainer Best AFRC fl ying unit or individual of the year TSgt. Jacob J. Young, 141st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Lt. Col. John P. Marks, 303rd Fighter Squadron, Whiteman Fairchild AFB, Wash. AFB, Mo.

Earl T. Ricks Award AFRC Unit Award Outstanding ANG airmanship Best AFRC wing of the year Maj. Gregory Ebert, 149th Fighter Squadron, JB Langley-Eustis, 301st Fighter Wing, NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas Va. AFRC Citizen Airman Award—Enlisted Outstanding ANG Unit Outstanding civilian employer and enlisted member Best ANG unit airmanship MSgt. Harvey McClain, USTRANSCOM, Norfolk, Va. 151st Maintenance Group, Utah ANG and North Carolina Department of Public Safety State Highway George W. Bush Award—Enlisted Patrol, Troop C, District IX, Raleigh, N.C. Outstanding civilian employer and enlisted member Not awarded for 2015. AFRC Citizen Airman Award—Offi cer Outstanding civilian employer and commissioned member George W. Bush Award—Offi cer Not awarded for 2015. Outstanding civilian employer and commissioned member Not awarded for 2015.

70 AIR FORCE Magazine / November 2015 2015 AFA FIELD AWARDS

Donald W. Steele Sr. Outstanding State Memorial Award Organization (AFA Unit of the Year) Florida Lance P. Sijan Chapter President Dann Mattiza President Donald Kidd

Outstanding Chapters by Size Unit Exceptional Service Awards

Small Chapter David C. Jones Chapter, N.D. Airmen and Family Programs Community Relations President George Masters Thunderbird Chapter, Nev. Hurlburt Chapter, Fla. President Robert Cunningham President James Connors Medium Chapter Minuteman Chapter, Mass. President Yvonne Thurston Best Single Program Overall Programming Large Chapter Tennessee Valley Chapter, Ala. Nation’s Capital Chapter, D.C. Paul Revere Chapter, Mass. President Frederick Driesbach President Bruce VanSkiver President Paul Zauner Extra Large Chapter Donald W. Steele Sr. Memorial Chapter, Va. Communications Veterans Affairs President Kevin Lewis Lance P. Sijan Chapter, Colo. Paul Revere Chapter, Mass. President Donald Kidd President Paul Zauner

Community Partners Aerospace Education Excellence Award Altus Chapter, Okla. President Jeanette Warr

Presented to one chapter in each of the AFA size categories annually for excellence in aerospace education programming. To qualify, a chapter Aerospace Education Achievement Award must have received the Aerospace Education Achievement Award this year. Presented to chapters for outstanding achievement in aerospace Large Chapter Swamp Fox Chapter, S.C. education programming. President David Hanson Ak-Sar-Ben Chapter, Neb. Extra Large Chapter C. Farinha Gold Rush Chapter, Calif. Albuquerque Chapter, N.M. President Raymond Coughlin C. Farinha Gold Rush Chapter, Calif. Central Florida Chapter, Fla. Gen. Charles A. Gabriel Chapter, Va. Danville Chapter, Va. David C. Jones Chapter, N.D. Jack Gross Awards Hurlburt Chapter, Fla. Lance P. Sijan Chapter, Colo. Presented to the chapter in each size category with the highest number of new Lincoln Chapter, Neb. members as a percentage of chapter size at the beginning of the membership Swamp Fox Chapter, S.C. year. A minimum of 10 is required. Wright Memorial Chapter, Ohio

Small Chapter Extra Large Chapter Keystone Chapter, Japan Paul Revere Chapter, Mass. Arthur C. Storz Sr. Membership Award President Abraham Almonte President Paul Zauner Presented to that AFA chapter which produces the highest number of new Medium Chapter Chapter Larger Than 1,100 members during the 12-month period ending June 30, 2015, as a percentage Ramstein Chapter, Germany Montgomery Chapter, Ala. of total chapter membership as of July 1, 2014. This award is based on both President Bradley Williams President Scott Key the quantity of new members as well as sustained new member recruitment. Large Chapter A chapter must be chartered for at least three years to qualify. Robert H. Goddard Chapter, Calif. President Juan Cruz Keystone Chapter, Japan President Abraham Almonte

AIR FORCE Magazine / November 2015 71 2015 AFA FIELD AWARDS (cont.)

Member of the Year Distinguished Sustained James R. Lauducci Education Achievement Award Alexandria, Va. L. Boyd Anderson Ogden, Utah

Special Citation Chairman’s Citation

StellarXplorer’s Proof of Concept Team Members: Ronald Adams, Mass. F. Gavin MacAloon, Va. Lee Barnby, Calif. Donald R. Michels, N.C. Tim Brock, Fla. Timothy Tichawa, Colo. Ross Lampert, Ariz. William Yucuis, Fla. David “Buck” Buckwalter, Texas William Yucuis, Fla. Stephen Gourley, Colo.

Individual Awards by Region

Central East Region Great Lakes Region Northeast Region Southeast Region Medal of Merit Medal of Merit Medal of Merit Medal of Merit William Carter, Va. Tom DiNino, Ohio Cole H. Kleitsch, N.J. Larry “PZ” Przybyla, S.C. Jack J. Catton Jr., Washington, D.C. Gene Longo, Ohio Stephen J. LaPoint, N.J. Dick Roberts, N.C. Steven M. Jones, Washington, D.C. William Megnin, Ind. Joseph V. Traina, N.Y. John W. Robinson Jr., Washington, Larry L. Michael, Ind. Southwest Region D.C. Dean H. Roller, Ind. Exceptional Service Award Medal of Merit Darryl Terrell, Washington, D.C. Exceptional Service Award Bruce A. VanSkiver, Washington, D.C. Howard H. Leach Jr., N.J. Adria L. Baker, Ariz. John B. Wilt, Va. George Simons, Ohio Tobia F. Terranova, N.J. Bob Deurloo, N.M. Bob Van Hook, Ohio Scott Hines, Ariz. Exceptional Service Award Northwest Region Dick Roberts, Ariz. Scott McClean, Washington, D.C. Midwest Region Medal of Merit Exceptional Service Award John K. Murphy, Del. Medal of Merit Richard Bailey, Ore. Dan Guilmette, Nev. Far West Region Gerald Ashley, Ill. Amy Tiemeyer, Wash. Mike McNeese, Ariz. James B. Caughron, Kan. Tony Versandi, Alaska Medal of Merit Chris Canada, Neb. Texoma Region Rocky Mountain Region Christina M. Diaz, Calif. Russell Klatt, Ill. Medal of Merit Sean W. McNally, Calif. Bill Mavity, Neb. Medal of Merit Marcia P. Peura, Calif. Lynn Bentley, Texas Alison L. Schneider, Calif. Linda Aldrich, Colo. Cory Moore, Okla. Exceptional Service Award Jennifer Stokes, Calif. Barbara Binn, Colo. Jason Naaktgeboren, Texas Arnie Streland, Calif. Robert Athan, Neb. Frances Bradshaw, Utah Micah Telmo, Okla Vicki L. Swingle, Neb. Bob Hanrahan, Utah Robbie Walsh, Okla. Exceptional Service Award Kirk Schmierer, Utah Larry “Ski” Werbiski, Texas Randy Tymofi chuk, Utah Juan E. Cruz, Calif. New England Region Exceptional Service Award Lorrell Walter, Wyo. Olivia Cruz, Calif. Medal of Merit Vance Clarke, Texas David Fields, Calif. Exceptional Service Award Ed Peura, Calif. Joel A. Clark, Vt. Robert “Bob” Kjar, Texas Jeffrey W. Katz, Mass. Mickey McPartland, Utah Kathleen M. McCool, Texas Florida Region Raymond Tanguay, Vt. Timothy J. Tichawa, Colo. George C. Pankonin, Okla. Steven Winsor, R.I. Angela L. Petersen, Okla. Medal of Merit South Central Region Terry Thomas, Texas Exceptional Service Award Michael G. Farrell, Fla. Medal of Merit Amanda D. Gold, Fla. Dan Caron, N.H. Overseas Region George Krym, Ala. Rodrigo J. Huete, Fla. Devon L. Messecar, Mass. Medal of Merit Leo R. Gray, Fla. Emily C. Shay, Mass. Philip Z. Horton III, Tenn. Ben Langer, Fla. Yvonne Thurston, Mass. Robert J. Hovde, Ala. Ryan D. Fraser, AE John Pennell Jr., Ala. Kevin A. Paul Jr., AE Exceptional Service Award North Central Region Patrick “Irish” McCoy, Ala. Shaun Michael Spencer, AE William S. Naron, Miss. Todd Freece, Fla. Medal of Merit Gary A. Lehmann, Fla. Ben Quintana, La. Robert M. Herrington, N.D. Exceptional Service Award Sylvia A. Wages, N.D. Steve Carey, Ala. Exceptional Service Award Jerry Reichenbach, Ark. George Masters, N.D. Lawrence Sagstetter, Minn.

72 AIR FORCE Magazine / November 2015 2015 AFA FIELD AWARDS (cont.) Community Partner Membership Awards

GOLD AWARD ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Presented to chapters whose Community Partners represent at least six per- Presented in the fi eld to chapters whose Community Partners cent of overall chapter membership, with a minimum number of Community represent at least three percent of overall chapter membership, with a Partners. The minimum number is determined by chapter size. minimum number of Community Partners. The minimum number is determined by chapter size. Altus Chapter, Okla. Mel Harmon Chapter, Colo. David D. Terry Jr. Chapter, Ark. Cheyenne Cowboy Chapter, Wyo. Meridian Chapter, Miss. Eglin Chapter, Fla. Enid Chapter, Okla. Montgomery Chapter, Ala. Gen. Bruce K. Holloway Chapter, Tenn. Fairbanks Midnight Sun Chapter, Northeast Texas Chapter, Texas Golden Triangle Chapter, Miss. Alaska Paul Revere Chapter, Mass. Happy Hooligan Chapter, N.D. Fort Wayne Chapter, Ind. Robert H. Goddard Chapter, Calif. Hurlburt Chapter, Fla. Gen. David C. Jones Chapter, N.D. Swamp Fox Chapter, S.C. Mercer County Chapter, N.J. Leigh Wade Chapter, Va. Tennessee Valley Chapter, Ala. McChord Field Chapter, Wash. Ute-Rocky Mountain Chapter, Utah Shooting Star Chapter, N.J. Special Recognition SUSTAINED NEW MEMBER RECRUITMENT CHAPTER GROWTH These chapters have attained the quarterly new member recruitment goal for These chapters have realized a growth in total membership from three consecutive quarters, extending from October 2014 to June 2015. June 2014 to June 2015. Central Florida Chapter, Fla. Langley Chapter, Va. Abilene Chapter, Texas Keystone Chapter, Japan David D. Terry Jr. Chapter, Ark. Mel Harmon Chapter, Colo. Altoona Chapter, Pa. Lt. Col. B. D. “Buzz” Wagner Donald W. Steele Sr. Memorial Miami Homestead Chapter, Fla. Altus Chapter, Okla. Chapter, Pa. Chapter, Va. MiG Alley Chapter, South Korea Central Maryland Chapter, Md. Lt. Erwin R. Bleckley Chapter, Everett R. Cook Chapter, Tenn. Montgomery Chapter, Ala. Delaware Galaxy Chapter, Del. Kan. Falcon Chapter, Fla. Paul Revere Chapter, Mass. Donald W. Steele Sr. Memorial Mel Harmon Chapter, Colo. Frank Luke Chapter, Ariz. Ramstein Chapter, Germany Chapter, Va. Metro Rhode Island Chapter, R.I. Gen. David C. Jones Chapter, Spangdahlem Chapter, Germany Enid Chapter, Okla. Nation’s Capital Chapter, Wash- N.D. Robert H. Goddard Chapter, Calif. Falcon Chapter, Fla. ing ton, D.C. Golden Triangle Chapter, Miss. Tucson Chapter, Ariz. Flying Yankee Chapter, Conn. Northeast Iowa Chapter, Iowa Inland Empire Chapter, Wash. Whiteman Chapter, Mo. Gen. Bernard A. Schriever L.A. Paul Revere Chapter, Mass. Keystone Chapter, Japan Chapter, Calif. Ramstein Chapter, Germany Gen. David C. Jones Chapter, South Alabama Chapter, Ala. N.D. Stan Hryn Monterey Bay Highpoint Chapter, N.J. Chapter, Calif. REGION GROWTH STATE GROWTH These regions have realized a growth in total membership from These states have realized a growth in total membership from June June 2014 to June 2015. 2014 to June 2015. Central East Delaware Pacifi c North Dakota

Chapter Retention Award OVERALL RETENTION AWARD FIRST-YEAR RETENTION AWARD

Small Chapter Danville Chapter, Va. Small Chapter Keystone Chapter, Japan President Gerald Hovatter President Abraham Almonte Medium Chapter Cape Fear Chapter, N.C. Medium Chapter Tulsa Chapter, Okla. President John Lasley President Damon Bowling Large Chapter Snake River Valley Chapter, Idaho Large Chapter Tennessee Valley Chapter, Ala. President Zachary Maurer President Frederick Driesbach Extra Large Chapter Ak-Sar-Ben, Neb. Extra Large Chapter Cape Canaveral Chapter, Fla. President Christopher Canada President Chris Bailey Chapter Larger than 1,100 Waterman-Twining Chapter, Fla. Chapter Larger than 1,100 Gen. Charles A. Gabriel Chapter, Va. President Edward Hance President John Kennedy

CyberPatriot Coach and Mentor of the Year COACH OF THE YEAR MENTOR OF THE YEAR Chris Sutton Evan Dygert Grissom High School, Huntsville, Ala. Winter Springs High School, Winter Springs, Fla.

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