403rd Wing announces 2017 annual award winners

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MS, UNITED STATES

03.03.2018

Courtesy Story

403rd Wing

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – The 403rd Wing recognized its annual award winners for the Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 award period during the March 2018 unit training assembly. Winners were chosen in the Airman, noncommissioned officer, senior NCO, first sergeant, company grade officer and civilian categories.

Airman of the Year – Staff Sgt. Michael Johnson (who was a senior airman for the 2017 award period), 403rd Maintenance Squadron. Johnson performed more than 100 man-days throughout the year supporting both the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and 815th Airlift Squadron missions. He revamped the weather deployment tool program, improving the issue and inventory process and ensuring accountability of more than $500,000 in assets. Johnson also helped with a change of command ceremony fusing Navy and Air Force traditions.

NCO of the Year – Staff Sgt. Krystal Hernandez, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. Hernandez processed more than 250 orders for Hurricane Irma support and completed 60 orders in 16 hours for Hurricane Nate aircraft evacuation efforts. She also coordinated 25 volunteers for Project Homeless Connect, feeding and clothing more than 250 people.

Senior NCO of the Year – Senior Master Sgt. Darren Bannister, 815th Airlift Squadron. Bannister facilitated a full-squadron requalification of the 815th airlift squadron and was the sole enlisted briefer for the Pacific Air Rally in Sri Lanka. He also facilitated the 815th AS association with the 403rd Wing Green Dot 5k run, helping raise $1,200 for the Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence.

First Sergeant of the Year – Master Sgt. Krystal Knight, 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. Knight facilitated an NCO leadership development course, increasing knowledge and networking of 80 Airmen from five wings and was selected to give the graduation invocation from her own First Sergeant Academy out of more than 70 students. She also performed lifesaving measures for a civilian experiencing a medical emergency until first responders arrived.

CGO of the Year – Capt. April Martin, 5th Operational Weather Flight. Martin coordinated with her host base to rewrite the support agreement, saving 456 hours in member travel per year, and implemented a newcomer "get-to-know-you" brief, enhancing relationships within the flight.
She also taught a leadership class, mentoring Airmen on creativity and innovation.

Civilian of the Year – Brain Harris, 815th Airlift Squadron. Harris helped coordinate several 815th AS events in 2017, including exercise Southern Strike, the D-Day anniversary troop drop and the Gulf of Mexico Operational Demonstration in coordination with the U.S. Navy. He also helped remodel the 815th AS heritage room, helping boost squadron morale.

• Date Taken: 03.03.2018
• Date Posted: 03.04.2018 08:21
• Story ID: 268033
• Location: KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MS, US