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Top Team Bolling members recognized at annual awards banquet

  • Published
  • By 11th Wing Public Affairs
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  It was a night that marked the last annual awards event for the 11th Wing at Bolling Air Force Base, and the event was appropriately themed , "Faithful to a Proud Heritage- Celebrating 92 Years of Excellence."

Members from the 11th Wing gathered at the Bolling Club March 12 for the 2009 11th Wing Annual Awards Banquet.

"All of you remind me of how good it is to be an Airman," Col. Cedric George, 11th Wing commander, said. "You make me so proud."

Each category's honoree was presented a wooden F-22 statue, in keeping with the event's theme and Bolling's history.

Winners were:

Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Anna M. Wasson, 11th Operations Group. According to her nomination package, she completed her Community College of the Air Force associates degree while deployed to the Southwest Asia AOR. She was 11th Wing Airman of the Quarter and Airman of the Month at her deployed location.

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Charmaine N. Kelly, 11th Mission Support Squadron. This NCO was selected as Bolling Military Personnel Flight's Personnel Manager of the Year; 11th Mission Support Group Military Volunteer of the Quarter, first quarter; and 11th Wing Military Volunteer of the Quarter, fourth quarter. She also graduated NCO Academy, garnering the Commandant's Award and Distinguished Graduate status.

Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Master Sgt. James A. Hallowes, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron. As the civil engineer lead for the first Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Open House, he coordinated acquisition of 21 light carts, numerous generators, and 8,000 feet of security fence - directly supporting an event with more than 8,000 in attendance. He led several high-dollar construction projects on base, including general officer quarters remodels and base fitness center upgrades; while also leading more than 30 volunteers in renovating a Vietnam veteran family's home.

First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Matthew E. Fiscus, 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron. This first sergeant is known for decisive leadership in his unit and "taking care of Airmen first," as shown by his squadron's status for the year of no physical training test failures, zero non-judicial punishment actions, and deployment counseling for all first-time deployers. He also supported the wing annual awards program, the LRS booster club, and served as first sergeant representative for base advisory council, middle tier council, and Top 3.

Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Michael D. Fanton, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. This CGO led 27 ushers through the 56th Presidential Inauguration, ensuring safety and security for more than 2,000 VIPs. He was also lauded by the Air Force chief of staff as he led the distinguished Air Force Honor Guard drills during high-visibility events at New York Jets and New York Knicks games, showcasing the Air Force to 60,000 nation-wide spectators.

Civilian, Category I Award: Regina Williams, 11th Mission Support Group. She was selected twice during the year as the 11th Services Division Category I Employee of the Quarter, and was selected as the annual winner of the award. She was also involved in the success of numerous base programs, including the library's children's programs, Patch Club, Movie Matinee, and annual Halloween party.

Civilian, Category II Award: Jacqueline Sanchez, 11th Security Forces Squadron. This desk sergeant screened 700 personnel for Joint Visitors' Center base passes, provided support during a President of the United States short-notice visit, and executed more than 900 calls for assistance. She also volunteered 112 hours towards the Breast Cancer Association's Walk/Run Marathon, sparking health awareness.

Civilian, Category III Award: Steven J. Gonnella, 11th Security Forces Squadron. This lead investigator solved a high-visibility drug case - identifying 10 witnesses, interrogating four subjects, dedicating more than 80 hours, and leading to four individuals being charged and convicted. He logged more than 1,000 hours assisting in 100 investigations, with a solved/closure rate of 91 percent.

Squadron of the Year: 11th Security Forces Squadron. The "flawless operations" helped them process more than 2,000 calls for assistance, 300 incident reports, 12 license suspensions, 45 vehicle accidents, 1,000 tickets, and 16 assault cases. Security forces dog handlers also performed 35 K-9 protection missions for the President of the United States, and various other dignitaries, in more than 15 cities and eight countries.

Base Honor Guard Member of the Year: Senior Airman Tyler Haile, Bolling AFB Honor Guard. This airman single-handedly ran the base honor guard program for most of the year, performing missions and handling full scheduling and on-call responsibilities. He rendered honors at more than 100 funeral missions over 7,000 miles in a four-state area and led teams to ensure all base flags status and appearance were to standards.

Civilian Volunteer of the Year: Jacqueline Randall, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron. She volunteered nearly 2,000 hours of her time to Helping Hands Christian Fellowship Outreach Program, Bolling's SHARE Program, 11th CES Booster Club, base advisory council vice-chairperson, and Executive Board of Resource Connection Prince George's County president. Her contributions led to quality of life improvements for needy children and the mentally ill, and the distribution of 380 food baskets to local families.

Military Volunteer of the Year: Staff Sgt. Adam Furtado, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. This NCO offered support to children through various programs, including Tragedy Assistance for Survivors, Knights of Heroes, Snowball Express, and the Marine Corps Marathon. He volunteered 712 hours to mentor bereaved children, help families manage loss, and support recovery of combat veterans. (photo unavailable)

All award recipients excelled in many areas in and out of the workplace, including dedication on the job, community service and self-improvement.

Guest speaker for the event was Tech Sgt. Israel Del Toro, Jr., a tactical air control party operator, who was severely injured during combat action in Afghanistan on Dec. 4, 2005.

"A lot of you out there might think that I got a bad break, but I still have a lot to live for," Sergeant Del Toro told the crowd. "I didn't realize until I joined that the military is a big family." Sergeant Del Toro was field promoted to technical sergeant and is the first 100 percent disabled, severely injured Airman to reenlist in the Air Force.