Page 10 - Desert Lightning News So. AZ Edition, September 2021

10 September 2021 Desert Lightning News Desert Lightning News September 2021 11
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recoGnition (from Page 2) nate Riley for the award, no one expected
her — a Reserve ammo troop — to win at
scope of responsibility. (She) has always had the headquarters Air Force level.
the whole Airman area squared away — “Airman of the Year is one of the most
constantly taking classes, volunteering, and prestigious honors anyone could receive in
taking on responsibility above her grade — their lifetime,” May said. “Though I did not
which I think set her up for success this year.” expect this to happen for our organization,
The running theme in Riley’s award I am honestly not surprised that it was
nomination was her ability to streamline Staff Sgt. Kristy Riley who was selected.
processes, train Airmen, and support other She is simply an amazing Airman, and
organizations, all while saving the Air Force a shining example of what every Airman
millions of dollars. Even while exceeding should model their service after. Once I
her leadership’s expectations in the work- received the news that she had won, it took
place, Riley also volunteered, completed col- a few moments to sink in, and then I felt
lege classes, and earned her CPR instructor an enormous swell of pride.”
and National EMT Certifications. Riley is still surprised that she won
Riley ended up using both of her certifica- at that level but has no plans to let this
tions while temporarily assigned at Nellis limelight deter her from her ultimate goals.
Air Force Base, Nevada. “I didn’t join the military for recognition
“We went to Lake Mead for a morale and honestly never thought anything like
event,” Riley said. There was a disturbance this would happen. So, it is pretty amazing
in the water that turned out to be a man to say the least,” Riley said. “To join origi-
drowning. We were able to bring him and Staff Sgt. Blake Gonzales nally as a way to serve, but also progress
his cousin back to shore safely where I Staff Sgt. Kristy Riley, 924th Maintenance Squadron Munitions Flight combat plans in my personal goals, and then to earn
assisted the paramedic in getting informa- training supervisor, teaches proper CPR procedures July 23, at Davis-Monthan Air an award at the Air Force level is almost
tion from the man’s wife and helping with Force Base. Riley was named one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the unbelievable. This recognition as Airman
anything the medic needed. The ambulance Year and was recently nominated for the Air Force Sergeants Association’s Pitsen- of the Year for the Air Force is a humbling
assigned to the lake was on another call, barger Award. experience, and I am honored to represent
so it took a little bit of time to get the man the 70,000 U.S. Air Force Reservists who
on his way to the hospital. It was a case attitude and humility,” said Chief Master many others. Staff Sgt. Riley is not only strive to defend our great nation. From
of, right place at the right time, and I was Sgt. Henry May, 924th FG superintendent. driven in her own right, but pushes others here, I plan to finish my current enlistment
glad it ended well for him and his family.” “Riley gives her all every day. She has a to succeed as well. She has an infectious next fall and then pursue becoming a nurse
Riley was happy to be there to help and pattern of consistent performance, which is positive attitude and constantly encour- in the military to continue to serve in the
use her life-saving training. Her actions evidenced by several previous award wins ages her fellow Airmen. She simply lives area I feel I have been called to do.”
further drove her leadership to have her such as the Pitsenbarger Award, three the Air Force core values and is genuinely Riley is currently a full-time student pur-
represent their unit for the yearly awards. AFRC Outstanding Munitions/Missile committed to integrity, service and excel- suing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing
“Riley was selected to represent our or- Maintenance Awards, ACC Unit Effective- lence.” at Grand Canyon University, in Phoenix,
ganization for three reasons: performance, ness Inspection Superior Performer, and Even though they were proud to nomi- Arizona.

2021 Davis-Monthan

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November 6-7, 2021

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