Communications Airmen setting new standards

844th Communications Group members (left to right) Senior Master Sgt. Jesus Mireles, Tech Sgt. Keith Knotts, 2nd Lt. Nicholas Gomez, Airman First Class Gregory Benhaze and Mr. Michael Calkins pose for a photo following the award presentations June 8 at the Sheraton at Tysons Corner, Va. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Timothy Chacon)

Communications Airmen setting new standards

Published June 12, 2007
By Robert Sperling
AFDW Public Affairs

Tysons Corner, VA -- Outstanding Airmen and Leaders - that's the order of business for the 844th Communications Group, and its latest round of award w\inning performers.

Five members of the 844th CG were recognized Friday by the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, a non-profit organization founded in 1946 with roots dating back to the American Civil War.

The winners gathered at the Sheraton at Tyson's Corner to stand alongside and be recognized with 14 other communications specialists from the Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy.

Senior Master Sgt. Jesus Mireles, Information Systems Flight Chief, and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer category winner said, "this award showcases the outstanding work that the Communication Group's team performs everyday supporting the warfighter and customers throughout the National Capitol Region."

These awards, he stated, recognize you as a leader and professional within the communications arena.

The award winners are:

Airman Category:
A1C Gregory Benhase,
844th CG, Information Technology Project Technician

Junior Non-commissions Officer Category:
Tech. Sgt Keith Knotts, 744th Communications Squadron,
Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Radio Maintenance

Senior Non-commissioned Officer Category:
Senior Master Sgt Jesus Mireles,
844th Comm. Group, Network Control Center Flight Chief

Officer Category:
2nd Lt. Nicholas I. Gomez,
744th CS, Executive Communications Support

Civilian Category: Michael Calkins,
844th Communications Squadron,
Programs Support Branch Chief

Of the roughly 850 members of the 844th CG, these five are being singled out as leaders in their profession. Their combined achievements include supporting the Air Force District of Washington move to Andrews AFB, providing communications support to the 2007 Senior Statesman Conference and the joint United States and Canadian Air Forces exchange program, managing a Land Mobile Radio upgrade contract in excess of $1.6 million, monitoring and installing multi-function devices saving over $250,000 annually, insuring that more than 15,500 desktop computers within the National Capitol Region were updated, and managing the $52 million communications budget.