126th Air Refueling Wing

Hometown: Scott AFB, IL, US

Three outstanding Airmen

01.10.2015 | SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, IL, US
Story by Senior Airman Elise Stout

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - Three Airmen from the 126th Air Refueling Wing were selected Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at Camp Lincoln, Ill., to represent Illinois in the 2015 Air National Guard Outstanding Airmen of the Year competition.

“These Airmen were selected based on superior leadership, job performance, personal achievements and community involvement,” said Maj. Gen. William Cobetto, the assistant adjutant general – Air, for the Illinois National Guard.

Master Sgt. Bradly Bishop, selected as the Senior Non-Commissioned officer of the Year, is a member of the Quick Response Flight in the 126th Supply Chain Management Squadron.

Bishop understands the need for great detail in his work for the QRF. The flight is the only office that handles all mission capable aircraft in the Air Force for Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, and the Pacific Air Operations Center.

“Every day we need to ensure every t is crossed and i is dotted to accomplish our mission in the most effective and efficient way,” said Bishop.

Master Sgt. Nick Fonti, chosen as the First Sgt. of the Year, is first sergeant for the 126th Maintenance Squadron. He ensures that all Airmen have what they need to complete their missions.

“I sit down with my Airmen when they first get here for however long we need to,” said Fonti. “This way I can get to know them as a person and not just Airman so and so.”

Tech. Sgt. Terry Kahrhoff, the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, is a crew chief for the 126th Maintenance Squadron. It is his job to keep the KC-135R Stratotanker flying.

The 126th ARW command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Karen Stevens, was on the selection board that interviewed the candidates.

“I was very pleased with the outcome,” said Stevens. ”I know how hard each candidate worked this year, and this honor is well deserved.”

Representing the Illinois Air National Guard in the nation’s capital is a great accomplishment for these Airmen.

“After meeting and learning the accomplishments of the other wing winners, I was really surprised to hear my name called out as the winner,” said Kahrhoff. “It’s an honor and a privilege to represent, not only my wing, but my state at the national level.”

The biggest difference in the 126th ARW candidates and their competitors was the education background.

“Our candidates ensured that their education was updated and reflected in their military records,” said Stevens. “All of our winners are outstanding role models for every Airman in the Air National Guard and I know they will do a great job representing our wing and our state.”