Honored Airmen

  • Published
  • By Thomas Schmidt
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. --  The numbers were many, competition was tough and the cream rose to the surface.

The exhaustive process of interviewing ten Outstanding Airmen of the Year and two First Sergeant of the Year nominees was a responsibility taken seriously by each decision maker before selecting winners. Nominees had to survive keen competition at the squadron and group levels before earning a spot in the final selection process.

Results were made known in December and formal recognition was given at wing commander's call this month. In addition to a leather A2 bomber jacket donated by the wing, each winner received a gold Air Force watch and a $100 American Express gift certificate from GEICO Insurance, an outstanding achievement medallion displayed in crystal from USAA, Inc., and a Selfridge commissary gift certificate.

Colonel Gary E. Beebe, wing commander, said, "Once again it is time to recognize those outstanding enlisted persons that are the very best within the 927th ARW. Congratulations to all who were nominated. All are winners and represent the enlisted corps with character, integrity and honor."

Having been asked, "What meaning does the selection have for you," each Airman responded:
Senior Airman Dennis Moten - First and foremost I would have to say that every Air Force military member is an outstanding airman of the year. Due to all of the hard work that each and every one of us accomplishes, we defend and protect a nation that gives us that opportunity.

As far as being selected from among my peers, I know the competition was tough and extremely difficult decision to come to, but I am more ecstatic than anything. It gives me a sense of belonging to a prestigious group of individuals from the past and allows me to demonstrate the pure characteristics of an "Airman" for the future. This accomplishment means a lot more than words can express, but the words of the first-ever Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Paul W Airey, comes to mind, "I will never be convinced that I was the most qualified or the best...I ended up with the job, so you go out and do the best you can."

That is what I plan to do, represent not only the prestigious group of OAYs, but the entire Air Force, and to represent the 927th as one of the best wings ever known.
Tech. Sgt. John Walker - This is an awesome honor to be selected above my peers by senior leadership. I enjoy my job and love being a member of the USAF. This type of award makes everything I do worth it.

Master Sgt. Johnny White - First and foremost I am honored for having the opportunity to compete against so many well qualified candidates. Being selected as the SNCO of the Year is a great accomplishment that I am proud of but it would not have been possible if it were not for the people who have mentored and helped me in my career and given me an opportunity to excel. They should be just as proud of the recognition as I am. Thank you.
The accomplishments that it took to win this award are what I am most proud of; the award itself is just an added bonus.

Master Sgt. Geoffrey Spaulding - This has been a very busy year for me and I feel this is a great honor to be selected First Sergeant of the Year. We have many great first sergeants and to be selected among them for this honor is humbling to me. A first sergeant is there for everybody, not just for their squadron.

Cumulative advice from this select group as given to next year's candidates - Be proactive; step up to the plate and take on extra tasks; live the Air Force Core Values - Integrity First, Service before Self and Excellence in all we do; do your job to the best of your ability; continue to be a positive role model; endeavor to become a superior Airman; make a difference; step outside your comfort zone and take on challenging tasks; never give up and know when to ask for help . . . but never give up!