Spangdahlem broadcaster takes top AF honors for radio show

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Pamela Smith
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) --  An on-air personality from Detachment 9, American Forces Network, won the 2005 Air Force Media Award Contest in the Radio Entertainment Program Category.

Staff Sgt. Deb Decker, NCOIC of News, took first place for her work on Eifel Saturday Morning.

“I was a little surprised by the win since radio isn’t my thing,” Decker said. “I’m more comfortable doing the news.”

The award-winning radio show, which airs Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, was submitted to the Air Force-level contest by Detachment 9 leadership after being chosen from among four unit submissions. At that level, it beat out six other radio shows to take top honors.

Master Sgt. Rich Simonsen, Det. 9 operations manager, said the win would be a remarkable feat even in the civilian sector.

“All of our operators are judged by (civilian standards) which is what is taught here at Det. 9,” he said. “Air Force broadcasting is no different than civilian broadcasting, so when it comes down to it, this award means that Sergeant Decker is a darn good DJ in any sector.”

Though her name went on the award, Sergeant Decker said the win is not just hers.

“When judges listen to a show, they’re listening for command messages and how tight the board is, making sure there are no gaps in between,” she said. “A lot of different program elements go into it, like our radio spots, liners and music beds. Everyone here produces these elements, so the whole show is a group effort.”

Sergeant Decker said she also believes her ability to relate to the audience helped her win.

“I fit in with Air Force demographics,” she said. “I’m in the right age group, 27 to 35 years old; I have a master’s degree, so I can relate to officers; I’m enlisted so I can relate to enlisted; and I know I’m not funny so I don’t even try to crack jokes because they’d fall flat.”

The Department of Defense competition is May 2, but Sergeant Decker is not too worried about winning.

“If I (win) … great,” she said, “but if I don’t, I still have the best job in the Air Force.”