Exceptional employees, extraordinary citizens

Published July 27, 2011
By Angela Varga
AFDW Public Affairs

AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON -- From coaching team sports, to rescuing animals in Afghanistan, Air Force District of Washington's second quarter award winners are not only exceptional employees, but also extraordinary citizens.

Airman 1st Class Peter J. McMullen, Accounting Technician for AFDW/A8AO-NCR, received the award for Airman of the Quarter. McMullen is a linchpin of the accounting team with keen attention to detail. He is a positive role model who dedicated 200 hours coaching youth team sports, and more time helping with the D.C. Special Olympics and cleaning the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.

Staff Sgt. Daniel E. Huston, Contract Specialist for HQ AFDW/PK Contracting Directorate, won the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter Award. His unit says that he is an overachiever, which is apparent through both his work and his community involvement coaching youth soccer.

Senior Master Sgt. Mark Thrower, Command Explosive Ordnance Disposal Manager for AFDW/A7CX, received Senior NCO of the Quarter. Thrower and his unit neutralized the biggest threat to the Coalition by destroying Improvised Explosive Devices on their missions. He was awarded his second Bronze Star for his leadership in combating the insurgents in Afghanistan. He was able to communicate with forces in Afghanistan through his mastering of basic Dari and Pashtu languages, improving not only himself but also the success of his unit's mission. Thrower is also involved with rescuing animals from Afghanistan and helped find new homes for a rescued dog and cat.

Capt. Ricky C. Hopkins, Chief of Helicopter Operations for AFDW/A3OV, was awarded Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, enhancing operations readiness through his rewriting of the Night Vision Goggle Tactics and the Formation Flight Training Syllabus.

Airman 1st Class Peter Stambouli, Accounting Technician for AFDW/A8AO-NCR, received Volunteer of the Quarter. Stambouli volunteered a total of 177 hours this past quarter. His volunteer work included working with Airmen Against Drunk Driving, raising money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation "Race for the Cure," ensuring that the 2011 DC Special Olympics was a memorable event for all in attendance, and, through the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, working with families that lost loved ones who served.

"I most enjoyed working with TAPS because it's an organization that focuses on military families," said Stambouli. "It's one of the more unique organizations because it helps children of all ages and families that lost servicemembers during service or to natural causes. I'm happy to be a part of [those I've helped] lives and I keep in touch with the families."

Mr. James D. Brooking, Office Automation Clerk and Data Systems Support for AFDW/A8TI, was awarded Category I Civilian of the Quarter. He cares about the welfare of others and is a great Wingman.

Ms. Renee N. McElrath, Contract Specialist for AFDW/PK, won the Category II Civilian of the Quarter Award. McElrath is regarded as an outstanding contract manager and a supportive member of her community, tutoring children through the Big Brother/Big Sister program.

Ms. Sandra K. Peace, Chief of Technology and Development for AFDW/A8TD, received the Category III Civilian of the Quarter Award. She was lauded by inspectors during the recent AFDW Compliance Inspection for her development of a training guide to improve her own Information Technology skills.

The DS Civilian Appraisal Reporting Tool Team, of AFDW/DS, was awarded Team of the Quarter. The CART team promoted the motto "Together Everyone Accomplishes More," or TEAM, encouraging directorates to interact and achieve success.

These individuals were essential in carrying out AFDW's mission during the past quarter. Their extraordinary work and exceptional involvement in the AFDW community, and in their own communities, made these individuals notable and they were recognized for their accomplishments at the Air Force District of Washington Quarter Awards luncheon, held July 20 at The Club on Joint Base Andrews, Md.