KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Col. Michael Manion, 403rd Wing commander, gave his first commander’s call here Feb. 10 since becoming wing commander in September 2016.
During the commander’s call, the 2016 annual award winners and fourth quarter 2016 award winners were announced also. Winners were chosen in the Airman, noncommissioned officer, senior noncommissioned officer and company grade officer categories.
Manion congratulated each of the awardees during the awards presentation. Later during the commander’s call he discussed various topics and their impact on the wing and the Air Force Reserve as a whole, such as the recent hiring freeze on the federal government, reserve personnel authorization funding, and the upcoming change of command this May, when the colonel is scheduled to retire. Before September 2016 Manion served as vice commander of the 403rd Wing under the previous commander Col. Frank Amodeo, and then he took on the role of wing commander when Amodeo was selected to command the 927th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
The winners for the 2016 annual awards were as follows:
Airman of the Year – Senior Airman Maribel M. Roberts from the 403rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron. Roberts (who is now a staff sergeant) was recognized for her continued dedication to training herself and others, both in her military and civilian education, and for her performance as an emergency medical technician. She was also recognized for her involvement in a rider’s safety course through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, using Green Dot training to educate 20 youth on anti-bullying and self-defense, and for donating $1,000 in clothing to the needy.
NCO of the Year – Staff Sgt. Jeranda N. Boykin from the 815th Airlift Squadron. Boykin was recognized for improvements she made at the 815th AS, such as increasing orders production by 50 percent, rebuilding the computer security program processes, and maintaining 1,200 flight records during the 815th AS standup with 100 percent accountability. She was also recognized for her volunteering to serve meals for a Thanksgiving community event and leading a college study group to help students improve their grades from a D to a B average.
Senior NCO of the Year – Senior Master Sgt. Thomas W. Lassabe Jr. from the 41st Aerial Port Squadron. Lassabe was recognized for his management and problems solving skills, such managing 26 personnel in three different Air Force career fields, and identifying and fixing a structural gouge on the C-130J Super Hercules that averted a $68 million aircraft failure and directing tail-cone assembly repairs that saved $229,000 dollars. He was also recognized for his part in resolving three domestic issues and securing safe houses for those affected through Family Advocacy, and his volunteerism at a youth center and the Boys and Girls Club.
CGO of the Year – 1st Lt. Dedrick S. Powell from the 41st APS. Powell was recognized for his coordination of the inbound and outbound flights of General Carlton Everhart, Air Mobility Command commander, during his visit to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, his assistance with the 41st APS exercise Operation GRIP 2, a training exercise involving Air Force, Army and Navy personnel, and leading 24 aerial porters during Exercise Agile Sabre and providing deployment and operational support. He also led an American Red Cross blood drive at his local Veterans Administration facility and participate in the Eliminate Veteran Suicide Initiative, educating more than 30 veterans a month on suicide prevention.
The winners of the fourth quarter awards for 2016 were as follows:
Airman of the Quarter – Senior Airman Shane M. Tucher from the 41st Aerial Port Squadron. Tucher was recognized for his part in demonstrating 41st APS capabilities to civilian employers of 403rd Wing Citizen Airmen during the 2016 Employer Day event. He also participated in a community watch program helping protect more than 50 residents in his area.
NCO of the Quarter – Tech. Sgt. Crystal A. Jones from the 403rd Force Support Squadron. Jones was recognized for conducting more than 100 readiness briefings and acting as the 403rd Wing’s Air Force Sergeants Association liaison. She also managed the 403rd Wing’s transition assistance program by processing 356 members.
Senior NCO of the Quarter – Master Sgt. James W. Comstock from the 41st APS. Comstock was recognized for overseeing the processing and movement of more than 6,060 short-tons of cargo over 16 missions without delays, mishaps or incidents. He also conducted 21 quality assurance evaluations and 32 personnel evaluations to ensure compliance and readiness of the squadron.
CGO of the Quarter – Capt. Jeremy M. Johnson from the 403rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron. Johnson was recognized for providing patient care to more than 50 Airmen during staffing shortfalls in the immunization clinic. He also provided more than 12 hours of medical support to special needs children with the Sonbeams Children’s Ministries and volunteers for several hours every month at the Jackson Free Clinic.