USAFE-AFAFRICA recognizes 2014's Outstanding Airmen of the Year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane
  • USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  During the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa annual awards ceremony here March 5, Gen. Frank Gorenc, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander, and Chief Master Sgt. James E. Davis, USAFE-AFAFRICA command chief, recognized the best Airmen in the command for 2014.

The awards recognize Airmen for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.

Gorenc took to the stage to congratulate all of the winners and nominees from this year's competition.

"Tonight is all about excellence," Gorenc said. "We are acknowledging those winners here tonight, but what we're not recognizing here tonight is the unbelievable talent these Airmen competed against at the wing level to get here."

The general went on to explain that the Airmen who competed for this award are stewards of innovation.

"Innovation is all about doing it faster, doing it better and doing it cheaper," Gorenc said. "It's about the mission and it's this mission innovation that we're attempting to capture. I'm confident that with the Airmen you saw tonight and those that competed we're up to the task. And regardless of what happens in the future, when the nation calls on our Air Force we're going to deliver precise combat power from the air, first time, every time."

He closed his remarks by emphasizing the importance of airpower and how these Airmen epitomize the dedication to the U.S. Air Force, defense of our nation and NATO allies.

Airmen competed within their units, then at wing level and have now been named the best in the command. They will go on to compete at the Air Force level for the coveted Outstanding Airmen of the Year award, which will be announced later this year.

For more photos, please visit the Ramstein AB Flickr page

The honorees are:

        
CherryAirman Category - Senior Airman Allen R. Cherry III

Duty title: Public Health Technician

Unit: 86th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany

Highlights: Cherry reviewed over 3,000 medical requirements for 406 deploying Airmen with zero discrepancies, enabling fit and ready forces for three combatant commands and Operation United Assistance in support of the Ebola crisis in Africa. Additionally, he led the reintegration of 360 deploying Airmen coordinating a multi-agency process into a one-stop shop that saved 2,000 man hours and allowed Airmen to return to their families faster while at the same time upholding all Department of Defense medical requirements.  

How does earning this award make you feel? "It is an honor to be named USAFE-AFAFRICA Airman of the Year for 2014. It was an incredible year for me and I could not have achieved this award without the authentic support from my family, friends, peers, supervisors, and leadership. All I want to do is pay it forward to assist my fellow Airman and help build them up into better human beings. We may be the next future chiefs, colonels, and generals so it's important to improve ourselves every day because we are going to have a huge impact on those around us."

Why does Senior Airman Cherry deserve this award? "Senior Airman Cherry's level of performance to duty is absolutely outstanding," said Tech. Sgt. Ireneo Alfaro, 86th AMDS NCO in charge of force health management. "Airman Cherry deserves the award because he embodies the core of what it means to be an Airman, wingman, and leader. His peer-to-peer mentorship and leadership is inspiring and motivating to Airmen at all levels and a reminder every day of why we serve."


OrdwayNCO Category - Tech. Sgt. David A. Ordway

Duty title: Fire Protection Station Chief

Unit: 100th Civil Engineer Squadron, RAF Mildenhall, U.K.

Highlights:  While filling in as the inspector general superintendent, Ordway wrote three joint inspections and evaluated two wing's readiness capabilities. This led to a five-hour reduction in the amount of time it took to generate sorties, an Air Force record according to the wing commander.

How does earning this award make you feel? "I am truly humbled by the opportunity to represent the amazing Airmen of the 100th Air Refueling Wing and Team Mildenhall.  No achievement is singular in effort and recognition of this level is a direct result of the remarkable teammates, mentors and leaders I have had the honor to serve alongside. Their leadership coupled with the unrelenting love and support of my family have made this award possible."

Why does Tech. Sgt. Ordway deserve this award? "Sergeant David Ordway lives our Air Force core values every day and is definitely deserving of this award," said Lt. Col. Kevin Parker, Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "He sets high expectations for himself and his fellow Airman. Sergeant Ordway is comfortable putting himself into new situations that others would say are outside their comfort zone. He demonstrated this when he stepped out of his specialty as a firefighter and filled in as the wing inspector general inspections section chief. His efforts helped the 100th Air Refueling Wing become the first wing in the Air Force to establish a wing commander inspection program aligned with the new method of self-inspection.  Additionally, Sergeant Ordway displayed his tireless work ethic and motivation as the RAF Mildenhall Team 5/6 President where he led 72 instructors to shape 54 mentorship events in the development of 798 Airmen across the wing and mission partner units.  Finally, as NCO in charge of the wing protocol office, he skillfully orchestrated 26 higher headquarters visits and 35 special events, leading 44 action officers in support of 438 distinguished visitors. These efforts impacted 9,600 people across four combatant commands. When given leadership opportunities, he has consistently enhanced the team and ensured mission accomplishment.  Sergeant Ordway's active leadership has made him deserving of this award. We are very proud of him and excited to see him be recognized."


WebbSenior NCO Category - Senior Master Sgt. Marcus R. Webb

Duty title: Chief of Contracting/ Wing Staff Superintendent

Unit: 501st Combat Support Wing, RAF Alconbury, U.K.

Highlights:  Webb led 74 Airmen and supported $4 billion in assets which lead to his selection as the USAFE contracting Senior NCO of the Year. He also helped the wing navigate through the fiscal austerity, authorizing 128 contracts worth $28 million.

How does earning this award make you feel? "Honored!  I am looking at this award as a team award for all the great Airmen and civilians I work with on a daily basis and I am the lucky one bringing home the prize!  These great people are the ones who make the mission happen each and every day. I am honored to be the one receiving the recognition but I am most honored to get to work and serve with a profound group of professionals in the 501st Combat Support Wing!"

Why does Senior Master Sgt. Webb deserve this award? "I knew from the moment I met Sergeant Webb that he was a great person who truly cares for people and their well-being," said Maj. Tasha E. Vick, 501st Combat Support Wing director of staff. "He is involved in almost every aspect of the community and strives to enrich the lives of our Airmen every day. Sergeant Webb is the person you hope to have on your team and we're lucky to have him."


FelicianoCompany Grade Officer Category - Capt. Ira. J. M. Feliciano

Duty title: Director of Operations

Unit: 423rd Communications Squadron, RAF Alconbury, United Kingdom

Highlights: Feliciano acted as the squadron commander for two months, during which he led a $150 million weapon system in support of three combatant commanders. He also drove a multi-base cyber blueprint design, managed to secure $2.1 million network project which was benchmarked by Headquarters USAFE-AFAFRICA and nine bases.

How does earning this award make you feel? "I have always been provided great mentorship and vectored in a positive direction by my leadership; however, my achievements and successes have always sparked from the enlisted force. My unit has done an outstanding job this year and I feel really proud to know that our efforts are being recognized at the headquarters level. While this is an individual award with my name on it, I have to give credit and thanks to everyone I work along with at RAF Alconbury & RAF Molesworth. This is a team win and our award to share!"

Why does Capt. Feliciano deserve this award? "Capt. Feliciano is an 'all in' officer who truly leads from the front and by example," said Maj. John J. Riester, 423rd Communications Squadron commander. "His leadership in the deployed environment and in garrison was absolutely key to his unit exceeding all mission expectations.  This young and talented officer inspires his superiors, peers and subordinates with a work ethic that is unmatched.  Capt. Feliciano is the epitome of company grade officer and is very deserving of this award."


BrassFirst Sgt. Category - Master Sgt. Vincent J. A. Brass

Duty title: First Sergeant

Unit: 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy

Highlights: As a first sergeant, Brass handled many difficult issues including three suicidal Airmen, nine financial issues, four domestic violence cases and five alcohol abuse instances, all of which he successfully resolved. He also identified a critical noncombatant evacuation operation deficiency which he solved and reported through his chain of command which safeguarded 5,000 noncombatant personnel.

How does earning this award make you feel? "It is truly humbling and an honor to be selected for this award.  Although it is an individual award, it is indicative of the hard work of the men and women of the 31st Fighter Wing over the past year.  I have simply been blessed to be around awesome Airmen and given amazing opportunities to lead and take care of their needs as well as the needs of their families to allow them focus on the mission.  This award is also an awesome testament to the support my amazing wife has provided me throughout my four years as a first sergeant."

Why does Master Sgt. Brass deserve this award? "A leading character trait of first sergeants is selflessness," said Lt. Col. E. Tammy Dotson, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. "A first sergeant must be selfless in their time, in their giving, and in their compassion. Sergeant Brass is a shining example of someone who takes the time to be there for his people and feed into them knowledge and tools they can use in all aspects of their life to make tomorrow better than today.  Many times the job of a first sergeant is thankless because so much goes on behind the scenes with taking care of Airman and it's not something that can particularly be recognized.  This award serves as a 'thank you' to him and his family for the sacrifice."


BarnesCivilian Category I - Tina M. Barnes

Duty title: Pass and Registration Supervisor

Unit: 48th Security Forces Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, U.K.

Highlights: Barnes supervised the Wing Chase program which identified 36 unregistered vehicles ultimately saving military members more than $288,000 in fines. She also managed the wing's restricted area badge program which issued 1,500 badges and safeguarded control of five restricted areas.

Why does Mrs. Barnes deserve this award? "Tina is like a stained glass window," said Lt. Col. Derrick J. Weyand, 48th Security Forces Squadron commander. "She sparkles and shines when the sun is out and everyone is looking, but when the sun sets, and no one is around, her true beauty is revealed as she has a light that shines from within.   What she does at work is the sun and everyone see how amazing she is, but what makes her truly stand above everyone else is when people are not looking and she is still doing the amazing things. Her award package covers all the amazing things she has done for the wing, but what it does not capture is what she does for everyone and anyone when no one is looking and that is her true beauty. A lot of people work, some are great and some are just there. We know Tina is great at work.  Anyone can call the NFL and get free tickets for hundreds of Airman, no one did, but she did. What is not said is the fact that she has taken dozens of broke security forces Airmen physically, economically, and/or emotionally and turned them into all-stars. What she does for people and the Air Force is truly amazing and no words or award can ever capture that. I am truly honored and humbled to know and serve with Ms. Tina 'The Duchess' Barnes."


PriceCivilian Category II - John R. Price

Duty title: Program Management Flight Director

Unit: 39th Communications Squadron, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey

Highlights: Price led 41 Airmen in five sections and completed 16 projects worth $14 million, leading to his selection for the Gen. Jumper Award for warfighting integration. He also averted a $9 million construction project delay which saved 400 man hours and $45,000 in contractor costs.

How does earning this award make you feel? "Elated!  It feels great to be part of an energetic and hard charging team. I would never have gotten to this point without them.  We have prime real estate here in Turkey against the war on terror which brings unique missions and challenges.  It seems like we bite off more than we can chew to be innovative, comply with inspections, meet mission requirements, and work hand-in-hand with our host nation partners.  What amazes me most is how the team chews faster to complete the task and prepare for the next.  You can call that excellence, I call that applied passion.  Motivation comes from my team members and my leaders who constantly inspire and expect a high level of commitment and performance.  And that's how we, 39th CS, maintain our PEP - People, Excellence, Pride."

Why does Mr. Price deserve this award? "John is someone who thinks of the unit and mission first," said Lt. Col. Erin McDonald, 39th Communications Squadron commander. "He epitomizes what it means to be a team player.  John's professionalism, self-motivation and devotion to the mission here at Incirlik is what helps me sleep better at night knowing that I can fire and forget and John Price will get the job done right the first time. John's humor and attitude are infectious throughout this unit.  39th CS is very lucky to have John on our side."


McBrideBase Honor Guard Member of the Year - Senior Airman Michael A. McBride

Duty title: Cyber Transport Technician

Unit: 606th Air Control Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany

Highlights:  McBride led the purchase of $10,000 worth of equipment which supplied 69 honor guard members and five geographically separated units throughout Europe. He was also selected as a team member for a Veterans Day firing team at the Luxembourg American Cemetery which honored the 5,400 fallen warriors laid to rest there.

How does earning this award make you feel? "I was very surprised and it didn't quite sink in when I learned I had won. I'm incredibly thankful of the support of my workcenter, my superiors, the honor guard team, and my family and friends. Being able to represent USAFE-AFAFRICA at the Air Force level is an awesome opportunity that I will never forget. I look forward to continuing my service."

Why does Senior Airman McBride deserve this award? "Senior Airman McBride is far and away one of the best guardsmen we have at Spangdahlem," said 1st Lt. Robert Frankel, Honor Guard officer in charge. "He excels in every aspect of his duties as a ceremonial guardsman; his dedication and passion have had an incredible impact upon the team, and he has become a great role model for his peers both in and out of the Honor Guard."


JacksonBase Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year - Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Jackson

Duty title: Assistant NCO In Charge

Unit: 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

Highlights: As assistant NCO in charge, Jackson led 44 members and 119 details throughout the largest area of responsibility in Europe. He orchestrated 10 Battle of the Bulge details including a joint service colors detail and an eight member firing party.

How does earning this award make you feel? "I feel very honored to be recognized for my commitment to the 52nd Fighter Wing base honor guard. We do a lot of great things at Spangdahlem Air Base and none of this would have been possible without the support of my team."

Why does Staff Sgt. Jackson deserve this award? "For more than two years, Sergeant Jackson has been of huge influence to the Spangdahlem honor guard," said 1st Lt. Robert Frankel, honor guard officer in charge. "He's quarterbacked great changes and challenging details both reliably and passionately. He's an outstanding guardsmen and an outstanding NCO. "


ParvinKey Spouse of the Year - Mrs. Bethany L. Parvin

Duty title: Key Spouse

Unit: 65th Operations Support Squadron, Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal

Highlights:  Parvin managed an off island support network which connected commanders to spouses living in the United States following Lajes' switch from 24-month accompanied tours to 12-month unaccompanied tours. She also launched a spouse's Facebook page which shared info and connected families and fostered communication.

How does earning this award make you feel? "I feel truly honored to be awarded the USAFE-AFAFRICA Key Spouse of the Year Award. I did not achieve this award on my own. The help and support of the command, key spouse team and additional key spouses, made our program successful. We came together with one goal in mind, to serve our fellow military spouses. Our spouses play such a critical role in the overall health and mission to the Air Force. It is a privilege to stand alongside these military spouses."

Why does Bethany Parvin deserve this award? "Mrs. Parvin deserves this award because she greatly assisted the Air Force community at Lajes Field during a time of transition and uncertainty," said Lt. Col. Richard Steele, 65th Operations Support Squadron commander. "As Lajes transitioned from 24-month accompanied to 12-month unaccompanied assignments, Bethany created a system for maintaining key spouse capabilities from a distance.  She reached out to spouses of accompanied and unaccompanied members via Facebook and email, ensuring connected families, resilient Airmen, and ultimately good order and discipline.  She has a heart for Airmen, serving them with her time and talents again and again.  The success of the 65th OSS Proud Bull Team, as well of the 65th Air Base Wing, often rests on the shoulders of unsung heroes like Bethany Parvin."