153rd Logistics Readiness Squadron commander receives award

Photo By Maj. Rusty Ridley | The Wyoming National Guard can add another Latina Style Meritorious Service Award recipient to its ranks, one who exemplifies the following characteristics: A service member who embodies the qualities at the core of the service's mission. A person well respected by their superiors and peers as leaders and upstanding service members. A person who displays exceptional character and treats the Hispanic community with dignity and pride. These are qualities Wyoming Air National Guard's Maj. Nicole Chavez embodies and was nationally recognized for during the 9th Annual Latina Symposium in Washington, D.C., Sept. 6.  

CHEYENNE, WY, UNITED STATES

09.06.2012

Story by Tech. Sgt. Natalie Stanley 

153rd Airlift Wing

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The Wyoming National Guard can add another Latina Style Meritorious Service Award recipient to its ranks, one who exemplifies the following characteristics:

· A service member who embodies the qualities at the core of the service's mission
· A person well respected by their superiors and peers as leaders and upstanding service members
· A person who displays exceptional character and treats the Hispanic community with dignity and pride

These are qualities Wyoming Air National Guard's Maj. Nicole Chavez embodies and was nationally recognized for during the 9th Annual Latina Symposium in Washington, D.C., Sept. 6.

The theme of this year's symposium was "Honoring Our Heroes at Home and Abroad," with the purpose of ascertaining, through round-table discussions, as well as in-depth surveys, the status of the Latina professional working woman in the United States military.

The Latina Style 2012 Meritorious Service Award recognizes military personnel throughout the military and Department of Defense who, through their service, have enhanced the roll of Latinas in their organization.

"This is a very big deal," said Chavez, 153rd Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. "You're competing against every Hispanic female out there in the Guard and this is a very important aspect of diversity."

The award encompasses a member's performance at work and their involvement in their community.

"The community service is what I am most proud of, it's what fills my heart," said Chavez. "I love my job, I love being a commander, but to give back, for me, is to truly have full completeness."

Chavez's volunteer work includes: participating in Kiwanis and the National Guard Association, for both Wyoming and the United States.

Lt. Col. Kimberely Derouen was selected for the award in 2008 while working as the Wyoming Military Department's equal employment manager and as a equal opportunity officer for the Wyoming Army National Guard.

"We should continue to nominate people," said Chavez. "We have great people at the Wyoming Air National Guard who are very deserving, much more deserving than me."

• Date Taken: 09.06.2012
• Date Posted: 09.18.2012 11:14
• Story ID: 94886
• Location: CHEYENNE, WY, US