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AFNORTH presents awards to top performers

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Susan A. Romano
  • AFNORTH Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Air Forces Northern members from across North America converged here Tuesday evening at a banquet to acknowledge the superior accomplishments of several Airmen and civilian employees who contributed to Continental U.S. NORAD Region - 1st Air Force's vital homeland defense mission during 2009.

In addition to the numerous awards that were presented, the attendees were treated to the sage words of retired Air Force Lt. Col. Herbert E. Carter, an original cadre member of the famed 99th Fighter Squadron - better known to the world as "The Tuskegee Airmen."

"Having the opportunity to listen to Lt. Col. Carter speak is a career highlight for me," said Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Thornell, AFNORTH's Command Chief. "He is 'history personified' and it was indeed an honor and privilege to listen to him talk about his incredible experiences as a World War II pilot."

After the annual awards were presented to each recipient, a special presentation was made to Colleen Whitehead, widow of AFNORTH's former Financial Management director, retired Col. Donald L. Whitehead who passed away in November 2009. Mrs. Whitehead accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award in her husband's honor for his many noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding federal civilian service.

"I don't believe there was a dry eye in the house when Colleen accepted the award for her husband," said Scotty Scott, AFNORTH's Chief of Staff. "Don was such a great friend to so many people, and this was a perfect way to pay tribute to his vast and long-lasting contributions to our organization."

The award recipients are as follows:

For Air Forces Northern:
Company Grade Superior Performer of the Year: Capt. Dianne M.E. Hanley
Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Patrick A. Newman
Senior NCO Superior Performer of the Year: Master Sgt. Anne Marie M. Norris
Senior NCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Todd R. Ray
First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Michael J. Hawkinson
NCO Superior Performer of the Year: Staff Sgt. Steven M. Wendover
NCO of the Year: Staff Sgt. Miranda M. Demers
Airman Superior Performer of the Year: Senior Airman Steven P. McGuire
Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Jordan M. Novak
Civilian of the Year, Category I: Ms. Linda S. Strickland
Civilian of the Year, Category II: Ms. Lorri L. Maier

For 601st Air & Space Operations Center:
Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Andrew Jared Scott
Senior NCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Kirt D. Carpenter
NCO of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Keith G. Fosbinder
Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Stephen P. McGuire
Civilian of the Year, Category I: Ms. Lee Anne Conner
Civilian of the Year, Category II: Mr. Jon B. Montgomery
Honor Guardsman of the Year: Master Sgt. Michael C. Haynes

For Headquarters, First Air Force:
Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Patrick A. Newman
Senior NCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Anne Marie M. Norris
NCO of the Year: Staff Sgt. Jessica S. Barton
Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Rojelio Y. Voss
Civilian of the Year, Category I: Ms. Linda S. Strickland
Civilian of the Year, Category II: Ms. Lorri L. Maier

For First Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Air Reserve Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Dabney B. Timmerman Jr.
Air Reserve Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Gary D. Eldridge II
Active Duty Senior NCO of the Year, Level I: Master Sgt. Janelle M. Worstell
Air Reserve Senior NCO of the Year, Level I: Senior Master Sgt. William J. Wiener
Air Reserve NCO of the Year, Level I: Tech. Sgt. Angela L. Johnson
Air Reserve NCO of the Year, Level II: Master Sgt. George Saratsis
Active Duty Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Rojelio Y. Voss
Intermediate Level Civilian of the Year, Level I: Ms. Kira M. Hujo

For Continental U.S. NORAD Region:
Air Sovereignty Alert Pilot of the Year: Maj. Sean Halbrook
Air Sovereignty Alert Unit of the Year: 162nd Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.