KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 403rd Wing recognized its annual award winners for 2019 at a Commander’s Call Feb. 8 at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Winners were chosen in the Airman, noncommissioned officer, senior NCO, company grade officer, field grade officer, the outstanding unit award and the Chief Master Sgt. Charles R. Gaffney award.
Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Ronald Johnson
Unit: 403rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Duty title: Crew Chief
Years of service: 2
Latest accomplishment: “Being hired as an Air Reserve Technician. I am very appreciative for the opportunity to have a full-time position that is very rewarding.”
NCO of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Jason McNew
Unit: 403rd Maintenance Squadron
Duty title: Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician
Years of service: 11
Latest accomplishment: “Providing AGE support during the hurricane season while operating out of St. Croix, Virgin Islands and attending three leadership and professional development courses that have helped me become a well-rounded NCO.”
SNCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Robbie Kinman
Unit: 803rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Duty title: Aerospace Propulsion Shop Supervisor
Years of service: 17
Latest accomplishment: “Supporting U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s exercise Silver Arrow in Germany. It was awesome to work as the unit deployment manager and process all of our Airmen as well as having the opportunity to go out and perform my job as well.”
First Sgt. of the Year: Master Sgt. Kimelyn Hall
Unit: 403rd Operations Support Squadron
Duty title: First Sergeant
Years of service: 22
Latest accomplishment: “Choosing to relocate from Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina to Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi was a great decision. I was able to help stand up the 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron as a flight medic. Now, I get to serve as a first sergeant in the 403rd OSS and remain close to the flightline.”
CGO of the Year: 1st Lt. Crystal Hamlet
Unit: 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron
Duty title: Readiness Officer in charge
Years of service: 19
Latest accomplishment: “I was the planner, participant and unit deployment manager for the 36th AES for the wing exercise Operation Southern Comfort. There was a vast learning curve and it was a humbling experience.”
FGO of the Year: Maj. David Gentile
Unit: 403rd Wing Safety
Duty title: Chief of Safety
Years of service: 15
Latest accomplishment: “Help develop a workable solution to air traffic control tower engine noise run noise hazard. I was the liaison between the control tower and maintenance to resolve the issue. I’m happy that we were able to work together and find a solution that allowed us to reduce the flight safety risk while minimizing the operational impact.”
The 403rd Maintenance Group was recognized as the Outstanding Unit of the Year and Master Sgt. Robbie Kinman was awarded the Chief Master Sgt. Charles Gaffney Award.