Annual Award winners recognized

  • Published
  • By Kevin Chandler
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 97th Air Mobility Wing recognized its Annual Award winners in a ceremony Feb. 13. Among the winners were:

Senior Airman Tiffany Scott, 97th Operations Support Squadron, winner of the Airman of the Year award. When asked why she won the award, Airman Scott, an aircrew flight equipment journeyman, said, "I just did my job to the best of my ability." She also felt her completion of an associate's degree in business and her pursuit of a bachelors' degree in psychology help make her a valuable asset to the Air Force. Once her career in the Air Force is complete, Airman Scott hopes to continue her education and become a clinical psychologist.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Toenniges, 97th Medical Group, was recognized as the Non-commissioned Officer of the Year. Sergeant Toenniges, the NCOIC of Occupational and Environmental Health, believes his award reflects the success of the entire section and Medical Group. "We were Air Education and Training Command's CBRN Challenge champions. The Challenge is a week- long competition that uses realistic scenarios to test our abilities." Sergeant Toenniges also assisted the Volunteer Protection Program with its occupational health questionnaire and is working on his bachelor's degree in Environmental Management.

Senior Airman Jerrod Mann, 97th Operations Support Squadron, winner of the Honor Guard Member of the Year award. Airman Mann served as an acting trainer to fill in for absent honor guard leaders. Additionally, he helped conduct several full honors military funerals this past year. "It's all about paying my last respects to those who have served before us," he explained.

Other award winners include:

Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year: Master Sgt. John Crawford, 97th Mission Support Group

First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Steven Milby, 97th Operations Group

Junior Company Grade Officer of the Year: 1st Lieutenant Joseph Sanchez, 97th Medical Group

Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Carlos Berdecia, 97th Operations Group

Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Phillip Shea, 97th Operations Group

Junior Level Civilian of the Year: Ms. Sara Sanchez, 97th Medical Group

Mid-Level Civilian of the Year: Mr. Christopher McMall, 97th Mission Support Group

Senior Level Civilian of the Year: Mr. Douglas Winters, 97th Operations Group

Supervisor of the Year: Mr. Robert Schuetrum, 97th Operations Group

Volunteer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Scott Mills, 97th Operations Group