Photo By Senior Airman Julia Sorber | Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Caruso, command chief, Air Force Special Operations Command,...... read more read more
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MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Staff Sgt. Nicole Gentzel, an airborne mission systems specialist with 193rd Special Operations Group, received the 2015 Liberty USO Service Member of the Year award on Oct. 23, 2015, at the 74th Anniversary Liberty USO Gala in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Every year the USO sponsors an award recognizing specific acts of heroism by enlisted members from each branch of the military.
Although Gentzel’s “acts of heroism” don’t fit the typical mold of battlefield victories or daring physical rescues, she’s considered an everyday hero by her leaders and peers.
Her awards package listed such accomplishments as, more than 100 combat flying hours, processing hundreds of mission flying currencies, and leading aircrew in troubleshooting systems malfunctions.
“She has an incredible amount of energy, a vast amount of potential and is the first person we select to represent the group, the Wing, and PA Air National Guard for any function or activity,” said Chief Master Sgt. William Lengner, 193rd Special Operations Group superintendent.
Gentzel takes pride in continuously seeking to improve herself and in volunteering.
“I recently graduated from Penn State with a B.S. in Criminal Justice,” said Gentzel. “I was a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society, Chi Gamma Iota and Student Government Association, through which I was able to spend a lot of time assisting with school activities or planning volunteer events.”
Gentzel said that years of training contribute to the ultimate goal of her job, to support the mission. She says one of her greatest accomplishments that she takes the most pride in is her two tours overseas, where she not only worked alongside many deployed personnel, but also learned from their many years of experience overseas.
"Her job performance exceeds the standards," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Kovach, former 193rd Special Operations Group superintendent. "She is extremely proficient in her aircrew duties, is on the fast track for advancement and has deployed as both an aircrew member and as a liaison."
“This has truly been one of the greatest awards I have had the pleasure of accepting,” said Gentzel. “To me, winning this award gives me an ultimate sense of accomplishment and reassurance that I have chosen the right path in life and that hard work does pay off. “
Gentzel’s performance recently led to her approval as a candidate for officer training school. She’s pursuing a commission as a combat systems officer.
| Date Taken: | 12.06.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 12.06.2015 11:48 |
| Story ID: | 183594 |
| Location: | MIDDLETOWN, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 157 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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