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    131st Bomb Wing names 2017 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    131st Bomb Wing names 2017 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Photo By Mary-Dale Amison | During December drill Col. Ken Eaves, 131st Bomb Wing commander, and Chief Master...... read more read more

    WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, MO, UNITED STATES

    12.03.2017

    Story by Senior Master Sgt. Mary-Dale Amison 

    131st Bomb Wing

    The Missouri Air National Guard's 131st Bomb Wing recognized its top performers for 2017 during events held Saturday at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base and here on Sunday of December drill.

    Those recognized were:
    Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Jael Watson, 131st Maintenance Squadron
    Among her accomplishments, Watson was hand-picked to compete in the inaugural Air National Guard-wide Munitions Rodeo at Volk Field, Wisc., producing 280 bombs in 10 days. As part of Team Whiteman, she was the top munitions crew chief, surpassing Air Force expectations by four hours, and also volunteered as a missionary to Azerbaijan, teaching English as a second language to those in the deaf community.

    Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech Sgt. Matthew Lakin, 239th Combat Communications Squadron
    Lakin supported Puerto Rican recovery efforts after Hurricane Maria devastated the island, mobilizing 21 pallets of needed equipment for a total of 55 tons of urgently needed equipment. During a recent deployment, his skills helped protect 150 warfighters, and he volunteered to complete Security Forces Augmentation training, which helped improve defense capabilities. At home, he volunteers with the American Red Cross, training adults in CPR and how to use automated external defibrillators.

    Senior NCO of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Matt Mullins, 131st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
    During the 2017 Air Force Association Conference in Washington D.C., Mullins was selected to brief the Joint Chiefs of Staff, White House and Air Force officials about B-2 operations following a crucial mission. Overseeing a five-member team, he authored an essential 41-step inspection guide and solved a 20-year power drive unit shortfall, helping safeguard $19 million in assets. Additionally, as a volunteer first responder, he has responded to more than 90 emergencies in rural Missouri, saving three lives.

    First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Kirsten Inwood, 131st Medical Group
    Inwood was instrumental in two huge efforts this past year: the first was her leadership role for Operation Healthy Delta Innovative Readiness Training, which helped bring $2 million in medical care to Missouri Bootheel residents. She also helped plan the first-ever Total Force mass medical exercise, which involved 131st BW, 509th BW and 442nd Fighter Wing personnel here. She is a leader in the First Sergeants Council, and her volunteerism includes educating 50 at-risk high school students about joining the Guard.

    Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt Ryan Forristal, 131st Logistics Readiness Squadron
    As a full-time technician, Forristal provides continuity to the entire 131st LRS, and was asked serve as commander of the squadron during its transition between appointed commanders and during the incoming commander’s temporary duty. Operating several levels above his pay-grade, Forristal supported four wings and three major commands during the Bomber Assurance and Deterrence mission in Europe. Additionally, he raised more than $1,000 for a Sept. 11th Memorial run, and also helped with Flag Day by volunteering to set up more than 600 flags for fallen police officers.

    Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Jeff Bishop, 131st Bomb Wing Public Affairs
    Bishop, a drill status guardsman, leads a dynamic award-winning team of public affairs professionals. He supported three Missouri state emergency duty responses this year, along with the Missouri governor’s inauguration. He was the lead public affairs officer supporting four wings and three major commands during the 2017 Bomber Assurance and Deterrence mission in Europe, and penned two commentaries that placed at the Department of Defense media contest level.

    “The 131st is well known for its mission tempo, and for our operational excellence – whether at our Federal B-2 mission or for our state support mission,” said Col. Ken Eaves, wing commander. “These six Citizen-Airmen selected for this recognition are the best amongst some of the very best that our U.S. Air Force has to offer, whether active, Guard or reserve. They represent our wing extremely well, every day that they serve with us, and they will go on to represent us very well at the next level of competition.

    There were more than 30 Group-level nominees, including 22 from the enlisted corps. A selection board reviewed wing nomination packages of all group-level nominees on Nov. 29 and 30. The panel selected the winners from a wing of more than 1,200 members, to honor those Citizen-Airmen who best reflect excellence in leadership and performance, community involvement and significant self-improvement. All enlisted wing-level winners will now advance to state-wide OAY boards.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 12.03.2017
    Date Posted: 12.03.2017 18:23
    Story ID: 257259
    Location: WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, MO, US

    Web Views: 318
    Downloads: 0

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