Aviano Airman garners AF award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 31st Fighter Wing public affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  An Airman from the 603rd Air Control Squadron here recently added another notch to her list of personal and professional achievements since joining the Air Force in March 2005.

Senior Airman Abby Keffer, a native of Birdsboro, Pa., is an aerospace control and warning technician journeyman and is one of three enlisted Airmen in her career field selected to receive a 2007 Headquarters U.S. Air Force Outstanding Aerospace Control and Warning Systems Operator of the Year Award.

"It means a lot to me that my supervisors and senior leaders in my unit noticed the hard work I was doing," said Airman Keffer. "I try to be humble about all the recognition, but a lot of people keep reassuring me this Air Force award is a pretty big deal. It kind of just recently hit me, like wow, I'm really doing a good job."

Prior to receiving the Air Force-level recognition, Airman Keffer has had a proven track record of superior performance.

"Abby is one of our rock stars," said Lt. Col. Matt Smith, commander of the 603rd ACS in describing Airman Keffer. "She is the consummate Airman! She is technically proficient, professional, and is always on her game and represents our organization extremely well."

Since arriving to Aviano, some of Airman Keffer's recognition include her selected for senior airman below-the-zone, the 31st Operations Group Top Operator of the Year Award for 2007 and the Antoine J. Holt Award for her actions during her deployment -- this award is a unit specific award in honor of a 603rd ACS Airman previously killed in action.

"It's easy when you're a lower-ranking Airman to sometimes feel like the things you do go unnoticed or to feel like what you're doing isn't important," said Airman Keffer. "As I matured and gained more work experience and knowledge in my duties, I realized just how much people notice and how important every Airman is."

Airman Keffer said Aviano is her first assignment in the Air Force and that having the right people around setting good examples helped her a lot.

"I've had good mentors along the way such as Chief Jeffrey Craver [down to] Staff Sgt. Kelly Burke, an NCO who used to work in my shop," said Airman Keffer. "I like being a hard worker -- that's just the way I am. When I look back ... I realize how successful I've been ... It feels good that all my hard work has been paying off."

Airman Keffer is married to Staff Sgt. Dustin Keffer of the 31st Maintenance Squadron and is due to deliver her first child any day now.

"This program recognizes the many contributions made to our Air Force by these exceptionally talented and highly trained professionals who have dedicated themselves to supporting the effective application of air and space power," said Col. Rodney Meranda, Command and Control Battle Management Operations Division chief in an official message to commanders on Sept. 22. "This year's winners distinguished themselves in command and control operations throughout the world and through significant contributions and improvement of their mission areas."

The winner for the NCO category is Staff Sgt. David Masey, 606th ACS, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and for the senior NCO category is Senior Master Sgt. Page Pinkney, 726th ACS, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.