USAFE-AFAFRICA recognizes 2013's best Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  During the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa annual awards ceremony held here March 20, 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 2013.

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.

"I couldn't be more proud of the nominees," said Gorenc. "They are fantastic Airmen in their own right, but certainly, we couldn't be more proud of the winners who are sitting here with us tonight."

Gorenc went on to talk about the hard work and dedication that goes on to recognize the Airmen at this level. He also praised those behind the scenes.

"I am very proud of all of the supervisors who put their fingers to the keyboards to describe the stories of all of the nominees," said Gorenc.

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 from the event, please visit our Flickr site

The honorees are:

        
HeasellAirman Category - Senior Airman Shabree Heasell

Duty title: Training and Tactics Technician

Unit: 603rd Air and Space Operations Center, Ramstein Air Base, Germany

Highlights: Heasell analyzed threat levels and developed secret service primary and alternate routes to protect President Obama during a visit to Africa. She pinpointed 43 smuggling routes and eradicated 12 enemy workshops including 20 roadside bombs and 50 weapons caches.

How does earning this award make you feel? "I've come a long way since first graduating from BMT," Heasell said. "My progress since then has all been due to the enormous support I've had from my supervisors and leadership. It was only because of their mentorship, coupled with the loving support of my family, which put me in a position to even be considered for this award."

Why does Senior Airman Heasell deserve this award? "Senior Airman Heasell has truly hit the ground running since arriving at the 603rd AOC," said Tech. Sgt. Leea Scott, 603rd AOC NCO in charge of tactics and training. "She has consistently performed well above her peers and shown unwavering dedication to the Air Force core values. I can honestly say she is one of those Airmen that you hope to get as a supervisor. She deserves this award because she is, without a doubt, 'Outstanding.'"


StorsethNCO Category - Tech. Sgt. Douglas Storseth

Duty title: NCO in charge of Infrastructure Plans

Unit: 1st Combat Communications Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany

Highlights: Storseth deployed to Afghanistan for six months and led a team of 20 Airmen working on 22 projects worth more than $25 million, which contributed to him earning a meritorious service medal. He also launched a team to an Israel weapons training exercise which completed 500 sorties and helped certify 20 pilots.

Why does Tech. Sgt. deserve this award? "Tech. Sgt. Storseth is one of our best and we are extremely proud to have him on our team," said Lt. Col. Patrick Hilgendorf, 1st Combat Communications Squadron commander. "He did phenomenal work for the mission in 2013 and I have no doubt he will continue to do great things in the future."


DragoSenior NCO Category - Senior Master Sgt. Nikki Drago

Duty title: Security Forces Manager

Unit: 423rd Security Forces Squadron, Royal Air Force Alconbury, England

Highlights: Drago filled in for the chief enlisted manager leading 142 people and more than $2 billion in assets which earned the squadron the best medium sized security forces unit in the Air Force Award. Additionally, he coordinated a four-member support element with the secret service enabling protection of a world leader.

How does earning this award make you feel? "My unit had a great [year]," Drago said. "Without a doubt, I am at this level because of the great things the professional Airmen I work with everyday have accomplished all year long. They are the true winners of this award."

Why does Senior Master Sgt. Drago deserve this award? "Senior Master Sergeant Drago is the epitome of a senior NCO," said Maj. Kevin Eberhart, 423rd Security Forces commander. "His knowledge, dedication and example to the Airmen in our unit is truly inspiring. Senior Master Sergeant Drago comes to work each day focused on bettering the unit, his personnel and himself."


CadoganCompany Grade Officer Category - Capt. Asha-Lee Cadogan

Duty title: Family Health Clinical Nurse

Unit: 52nd Medical Operations Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany

Highlights: Cadogan coordinated 60,000 visits and $4.6 million worth of care which led to her being named the number one CGO nurse in the Air Force out of more than 2,200. She also organized disease management for 548 patients and the Air Force inspector general named her team the best performing medical home team.

How does earning this award make you feel? "I am elated to have been recognized for such a prestigious award," said Cadogan. "I am forever indebted to my mentors and leadership who pushed me to develop professionally, personally. I am thankful that I was always presented with challenges and knew clear expectations. Earning this award paves the way for others that I will mentor and ensure that they are equipped with the resources that they need to become successful."

Why does Capt. Cadogan deserve this award? "Captain Cadogan deserved her award because she showed amazing character and leadership abilities," said Maj. A. Staci Staley. "She also took charge of several squadron, group, and wing-level projects which enhanced morale, built cultural awareness, bound Airmen to core values and enhanced professionalism and teamwork. She is an outstanding role model."


ChaneyFirst Sgt. Category - Master Sgt. Travis Chaney

Duty title: First Sergeant

Unit: 65th Medical Group, Lajes Field, Azores

Highlights: Chaney expedited 11 Red Cross messages and coordinated emergency leave with the Air Force Association ensuring all affected Airmen departed within 24 hours. Furthermore, he developed a "Shirt Dirt" radio program with the American Forces Network which facilitated communication with more than 2,100 Airmen and their families.

How does earning this award make you feel? "Earning USAFE-AFAFRICA First Sergeant of the Year is an amazing honor for me, my family, and my team," said Chaney. "We are doing great things here at Lajes and it is exciting to know that our efforts are being recognized at the MAJCOM level. I love being a first sergeant and earning this award only further verifies that I am dedicated to the mission of the U.S. Air Force by taking exceptional care of our number one asset: Airmen."

Why does Master Sgt. Chaney deserve this award? "Master Sergeant Chaney's work to ensure the health, esprit de corps, discipline, mentoring, and overall well-being of all our assigned enlisted members has been the best I have witnessed in my 36 years," said Col. Lorn Heyne, 65th Medical Group commander. "He truly represents the incredible work that all our Air Force first sergeants deal with on a day-to-day basis and I am proud to have him on our team."


JaggardCivilian Category I - Jackie Jaggard

Duty title: Supply Inspector

Unit: 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England

Highlights: Jaggard inspected 33,000 parts finding 291 errors and managed U.S. Air Forces in Europe's largest supply account worth more than $724 million. Additionally, she certified 11,000 chemical containers worth $454 million, which prevented $652,000 in disposal fees.

How does earning this award make you feel? "I feel very honored to win USAFE civilian of the year," Jaggard said. "I enjoy the variety of the work involved within my job and feel I have a direct impact on the mission at RAF Lakenheath."

Why does Mrs. Jaggard deserve this award? "Jackie is a fantastic person to work with," said David Hardinge, 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron chief inspector. "She is totally self-motivated and shows enthusiasm in every aspect of her job. Whether she is training new Airmen or inspecting shelf-life controlled items, she completes all tasks precisely and with a smile."


FryCivilian Category II - Allen Fry

Duty title: Installation Management Flight Chief

Unit: 48th Civil Engineer Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England

Highlights: Fry was instrumental to his team earning the best flight in the command two years in a row. He also piloted Lakenheath's sequestration efforts by identifying $1.8 million in savings helping the team meet its end of year requirements.

How does earning this award make you feel? "I'm honored and it feels good," Fry said. "I thank my leadership for recognizing my efforts along the way. For me, winning this award in 2013 is incredibly rewarding despite the challenges and uncertainty we all faced."

Why does Mr. Fry deserve this award? "Fry is an integral part of the RAF Lakenheath CE team," said Lt. Col. Gregory Morissette, 48th CES commander. "He has done extraordinarily well despite some significant challenges over the last year. [His] professionalism and team spirit is what really sets him apart. He has an infectious positive attitude and confidence that will make any commander sleep better at night knowing that he is in charge of taking care of our people."


Del RosarioBase Honor Guard Member of the Year - Staff Sgt. Julious F. Del Rosario

Duty title: Security Forces Patrolman

Unit: 52nd Security Forces Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany

Highlights: Del Rosario worked as the assistant NCOIC of the base honor guard program.

How does earning this award make you feel? "Earning this award for USAFE is definitely an achievement that I never thought I would win," said Del Rosario. "I felt very excited to be able to represent the 52nd Fighter Wing and it is a great honor to be a part of this. Most of the credit I would give to my honor guard team because their help and dedication brought me to the level that I am in now."

Why does Staff Sgt. Del Rosario deserve this award? "Del Rosario has been the 'go to guy' on the honor guard team," said Capt. Brandon R. Burden, Honor Guard officer in charge. "Del consistently goes beyond anything expected of a HG member or even a junior NCO. "He is one person I would turn to if I need anything accomplished, regardless of the task."


FariasBase Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year - Staff Sgt. Jimmy Farias

Duty title: Fuels Distribution Supervisor

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

Highlights: Farias has devoted four years to the Base Honor Guard Program. He has served as trainer, flight sergeant, scheduler, and NCOIC.

How does earning this award make you feel? "Earning this award humbles me and gives me an enormous amount of pride," said Farias. "Pride in our purpose, which is fueled by the efforts and dedication of my team. Their perpetual dedication and commitment to duty is ultimately what led to my selection for this award. For them, their admirable endeavors, and the support of my wing leadership, I am utterly grateful."

Why does Staff Sgt. Farias deserve this award? "Farias exemplifies the Air Force core value of Excellence," said Maj. Justin R. Holbrook, Base Honor Guard officer in charge. "His passion was unparalleled to any other Airman I have worked with in my six years of military service. He never settled for anything less than superior performance. He was totally committed to maximizing his talents and the talents of the other guardsmen. Our program is what it is today because of his efforts."


MartinKey Spouse of the Year - Ms. Brittany Martin

Duty title: Key Spouse

Unit: 492nd Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England

Highlights: Martin contributed more than 400 hours supporting 65 spouses through 100 days of temporary duty and deployments. She also wrote 12 group newsletters and disseminated critical information, which bolstered the communication between the unit and families.

How does earning this award make you feel? "The 492nd Spouse Group is amazing," Martin said. "The men and women in the group are incredible people. To have been singled out from among them is deeply touching. I have been so blessed by being part of this group, and I am really glad to have been able to give something back to the group."

Why does Brittany Martin deserve this award? "Brittany Martin's efforts and achievements this past year have been nothing short of amazing," said Lt. Col. Richard Carver, 492nd Fighter Squadron commander. "She has consistently devoted her time to supporting the 492nd team in accomplishing the mission. The 492nd is thrilled that Brittany's contribution to our unit's mission and the Air Force are being recognized by USAFE."