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AFDW's best celebrated at banquet

  • Published
  • By AFDW/PA
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON --  Winners of the 2011 Air Force District of Washington annual awards were lauded during a banquet held in their honor at The Club on Bolling Air Force Base April 29.

Earning awards for their commitment to excellence throughout the year were:

Jason S. Hofe, who picked up Category II Civilian of the Year for his efforts battling fires and hazardous situations on Joint Base Andrews, Md. as part of the 11th Civil Engineering Squadron. Among his accomplishments are helping extinguish a blaze which threatened five buildings and saving a heart attack victim.

Category III Civilian of the Year and Civilian Volunteer of the Year, Jessica Kasper, AFDW budget analyst, worked to keep AFDW's books intact, while saving the organization tens of thousands of dollars by identifying waste. She also works with her community as a church volunteer organizer, Human Rights Campaign Volunteer and WWII Honor Flight coordinator. Her projects on and off the job led to a two-award dinner.

Airman of the Year, Senior Airman Richard Prestia of the 844th Communications Group also walked away from the banquet with two awards. He hefted home a large Bronze Eagle, signifying his excellence on the job, while sporting a medallion around his neck, which was earned working with children of fallen heroes through the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. While in uniform, Airman Prestia often executes Non-Commissioned Officer level responsibilities, training fellow airmen how to safely climb poles, as well as aligning and cleaning weather sensor systems throughout the National Capital Region.

NCO of the Year Tech. Sgt. Emmett Mack of the 11th Security Forces Group spotted two IED's while on deployment in Iraq. He also keeps the books for his unit, and organizes motorcades for designated visitors to Andrews.

Capt. Marietta Saunders of the 11th Force Support Squadron made Company Grade Officer of the Year. She worked the Belle Chance housing project at Andrews, supplied food and support to families during the blizzards of 2010 and ensured that families moving to Andrews had housing immediately upon arrival. Several of her projects were cited by AFDW and 11th Wing leadership for their flawless execution.

Senior NCO of the Quarter was earned by Master Sgt. Phillip Monk of the 11th Comptroller Squadron who worked to upgrade the Airmen's Attic, which recently reopened. He also forged an alliance between his squadron and Walter Reed Medical Center, allowing for Airmen to work the Wounded Warrior Hotline.

Dental Assistant Candace Tisdal of the 79th Medical Wing earned the rare Category I Civilian award for working with 1,600 patients in the course of a year. Preventing infection and keeping her office up to standards were year-long jobs for Mrs. Tisdal, who took over records management when the primary owner was away for an extended period.

Awards were presented by AFDW Commander Maj. Gen. Darren McDew and AFDW Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Pat Battenberg.