Photo By Staff Sgt. Bethany Rizor | Airman First Class John Albers was presented the 110th Attack Wing 2018 Airman of the...... read more read more
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BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – The 110th Attack Wing recognized its members after a year of excellence at an awards ceremony held Dec. 1, 2018. Wing Commander Col. Bryan Teff commended Airmen who went above and beyond their job descriptions with awards such as Company Grade Officer of the Year, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Non-Commissioned of the Year, Airman of the Year, First Sergeant of the Year, and Honor Guard Member of the Year.
Airman 1st Class John Albers was awarded Airman of the Year for his performance while assigned to the 272nd Cyber Operations Squadron. One of the base’s newest members, he oversees weapon systems and communications equipment for 70 personnel. His responsibilities pertaining to this equipment include technical support, asset tracking, weapon system configuration and deployment. Additionally, he also works at implementing network infrastructure design, defense of squadron network and training range maintenance as well as cyber mission rehearsal for 54 other cyber crew members.
“My family and I were touched to be selected for the award, and I wanted to offer my thanks for the endless support from all my brothers and sisters in arms here at the 110th,” said Albers.
Capt. Shawn Hatfield, 110th Communications Flight, won Company Grade Officer of the Year. More than 900 network users from across the 110th Attack wing and its two geographically separated units maintain day-to-day operability due to his vigilant management of more than $7 million in IT equipment. For his service, he also received the Capt. Jeffery Gieske award.
Master Sgt. Melanie Pomerville, assigned to the 217th Air Operations Group, won Senior Non Commissioned Officer of the Year. Over the course of 2018, Pomerville coordinated the development of over a dozen Air Operations Center duty position training plans, as well as creating a Trainer Program to promote continued competent educators. She also brought the 217 Combat Operations Squadron Training Program into compliance by transitioning training and Standards & Evaluations to an approved electronic system.
“I'm humbled by the selection for this award,” said Pomerville. “I am very fortunate to have great leadership at the 217 AOG, who are supportive of their members and push them to their maximum potential.”
Master Sgt. Pomerville’s family was present for the award ceremony. Her husband, Master Sgt. Ryan Pomerville, is also a member of the 110th Attack Wing. He had this to say about her accomplishment:
“Melanie’s selection for this award is a fitting tribute to her dedication and commitment to the whole-airman concept. Being able to share that moment with our kids was special, makes it easier to explain to them the long hours and trips away from home.”
Tech. Sgt. Lateia Kelley, assigned to the 110th Comptroller Flight, oversees all pay and travel entitlements as section leader. While volunteering to support Operation Inherent Resolve, she earned high accolades for performing 7-level position tasks while being only a 5-level. Kelley exemplified the Air Force Core Value of ”Service Before Self” when she volunteered as an English instructor for members of the host nation Air Force and assisted in repairs of the local elementary school on the installment.
“I am extremely grateful that I have been selected and it means a lot to me to be recognized by my leadership and peers,” said Kelley. “As a member of Finance Management, we sometimes get caught in the grind of taking care of others and not ourselves. This is definitely a morale boost. I would also like to thank everyone for their kind words and I will continue to do my best to represent the 110th in the most honorable way possible.”
Master Sgt. John Vander Kooy won First Sergeant of the year for his service as First Sergeant of the 110th Medical Group. This year, he resolved key personnel issues and tracked vital dependent care information, supporting the group with speed and care found only in the most diligent of Airmen.
Mr. Harry Burdett, Mayor of Springfield, Mich., accepted an award on behalf of his son, Capt. Brian Burdett, for his exceptional role as an Honor Guard member with the 110th Attack Wing. The 110th chose to award the Honor Guard Team as a whole as well. Together, the Honor Guard performed for over 50 military funeral honors, weddings, Memorial Day Parades and Veteran Day ceremonies, this year alone.
Maj. Gen. Leonard Isabelle Jr, assistant adjutant general, Michigan Air National Guard, was a distinguished visitor of the event. He had this to say to the 110th: “This is the most challenging and successful time in our history. You have continued to exceed expectations, in return extraordinary performance has become the standard. On behalf of Maj. Gen. Gregory Vadnais, Gov. Rick Snyder, and myself, thank you for an outstanding year!”
| Date Taken: | 12.01.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.07.2018 14:23 |
| Story ID: | 302592 |
| Location: | MI, US |
| Web Views: | 309 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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