Page 4 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt April 7, 2017

www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb
April 2017 SPOTLIGHT
Best of the best honored
4
Thunderbolt http://www.luke.af.mil
944th Fighter
Wing 2017
Annual Awards
Airman: Staff Sgt. Elisabeth Yates, 944th Medical Squadron
NCO: Master Sgt. Scott Jenkins, 924th Maintenance Squadron
Senior NCO: Senior Master Sgt. Katherine Soehnen, 944th Aero- medical Staging Squadron
First sergeant: Senior Master Sgt. Jason Cvancara, 944th Logis- tics Readiness Squadron
Weapon’s system officer: Maj. Sriram Krishnan, 307th Fighter Squadron
Instructor pilot: Maj. William Wisehart, 69th FS
Company grade officer: Capt. Julie Moroz, 47th FS
Field grade officer: Maj. Dan- iel Daehler, 944th Operations Group
Junior civilian: Donna Sekoch, 944th MDS
Senior civilian: Cory Zehner, 924th Fighter Group
Story and photo by Tech. Sgt. LOUIS VEGA Jr.
944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
As a celebration of outstanding achieve- ments by wing members the 2017 944th Fighter Wing Annual Award winners were honored during a “Casino Royale” themed black tie gala held at the Wigwam Resort on February 11.
During the event, which was steeped in heritage and evening attire, Dan Clark, founder and CEO of Dan Clark and As- sociates, provided the keynote speech for more than 500 attendees.
As the son of a former service member, and one of the most sought-after moti- vational speakers, Clark delivered an inspirational speech about service before self. He emphasized the importance of our service member’s sacrifices and the appreciation he has for them.
His presentation was filled with humor- ous stories and emotional experiences that happened in his life dealing with service members that had the attention of all.
“I was impressed with his knowledge of our culture and the homework he did in preparation for our event,” said Col. Kurt Gallegos, 944th Fighter Wing commander. “Hearing what he had to say while speak- ing to our Airmen was exactly what we needed. I hope the message hit home and our Airmen use it and take pride in what they do and continue to strive for excel- lence in all they do.”
Clark’s other titles and accomplish- ments include university professor, award- winning athlete who fought his way back from a paralyzing injury that cut short his football career, a New York Times best- selling author, a gold record songwriter/
The 2016 944th Fighter Wing, annual award winners, pose for a photo during the awards ceremony held banquet at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park.
recording artist, and adventurer. He deliv- ers keynote speeches and transformational programs on leadership, building winning teams, relationship selling, and creating a culture of excellence to entry level em- ployees, emerging leaders, and seasoned executives.
Gallegos presented Clark a framed photo of the 944th Fighter Wing and a plaque as a token of appreciation, and thanked him for talking to the group.
Before the conclusion of the evening, “007” delivered a “Top Secret” envelope with the annual award winners’ names.
“Nine forty-fourth members have to
balance their military service, personal lives and professional careers each and every day,” said Chief Master Sgt. Rhonda Hutson, 944th FW command chief. “Many have to make hard sacrifices in several areas to ensure the Air Force mission is accomplished. The individuals considered for the 2017 annual awards clearly dem- onstrated sustained and superior perfor- mance throughout the year. Tonight is all about them!”
Gallegos, in closing, thanked service members for their service to their country and congratulated the award winners.
“You are the best of the best,” he said.
AETC announces 2016 winners
Luke congratulates new E-8s
The following individu- als received Air Education and Training Command annual awards:
Lt. Gen. Claire Lee Chennault Award
Maj. Aaron Cavazos, 61st Fighter Squadron
Media
New videographer:
Airman 1st Class Heidi Goodsell,56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Short-form pro- duction: Master Sgt. Michael Jackson, 56th FW/PA
Video spot: Airman 1st Class Heidi Good-
sell, 56th FW/PA
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Airman: Senior Airman Rebecca Rains, 56th OSS
NCO: Staff Sgt. John Dameron, 56th OSS
Senior NCO: Master Sgt. Marc Garcia, 56th Operations Support Squadron
Civilian instructor:
Edward Rutkowski, 56th OSS
Air Battle Man- agement and Command and Control Battle
Management
Air battle man- ager: Capt. Jeremiah Weaver, 607th Air Con- trol Squadron
Senior NCO: Master Sgt. Arthur Sanchez, 607th ACS
56th Force Sup- port Squadron A1 Awards program
Airman and Family Readiness program
Manpower and Organization program Child Development
program
Marketing program Youth program
Golf program
56th Maintenance Group
Clifton Berger
56th Component Maintenance Squadron
Timothy Braden
See E-8s, Page 26 Base honored during annual celebration of life
Across the Air Force, 1,391 master sergeants were selected to become senior master sergeants from 11,788 eligible. The overall selection rate was 11.8 percent. Within the 56th Fighter Wing, the following master sergeants were selected for the top 2 percent of the enlisted force.
56th Operations Support Squadron
Luke Air Force Base received the Plati- num Award, the highest possible award, for the number of drives held on base in 2016 by United Blood Services. They also received the Hero Award, which is given to the top 5 percent of Arizona blood spon- sors. With more than 1,100 organizations
Sean Strong
hosting a drive last year, less than 40 coordinators across the state qualified for this award. This places Luke AFB in an elite group of exceptional volunteers. Luke AFB coordinators also received a 50 percent increase in donations in 2016 from 2015.