Annual Awards Banquet celebrates best, brightest

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Hammes
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  The Air Force Academy held its Annual Awards Banquet at the Falcon Club here March 5.

The awards, which are divided into categories based on military rank, civilian position and special duty, celebrate the best and brightest here.

Retired Maj. Gen. Edward J. Mechenbier was the keynote speaker. He detailed the history of his career, which began when he graduated the Academy in the Class of 1964 and went to pilot training. He was shot down on his 80th mission over North Vietnam in 1967, and was a prisoner of war for nearly six years before being released. He retired from the Air Force as a Reservist in 2004.

Mechenbier spoke about the purpose of the Academy in the Air Force.

"The essential mission of the U.S. Air Force Academy - building leaders of character - demands top performers from a wide spectrum of contributing team members," he said. "Tonight we honor those individuals who have been recognized for their exemplary performance. For 60 years, the Academy has provided our Air Force with outstanding men and women."

Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson made closing remarks, during which she spoke about the unusual mission of the Academy in comparison with other bases.

"Our platforms are young people, and it takes some time to see the results," she said. "Hopefully, if you're lucky, they'll find you when they're captains, or lieutenant colonels, or colonels or even major generals, and they'll say, 'What you did made a difference.' Ours is a real mission, and I'm grateful that you're helping to make it better every day. Thank you for all you do."

Annual Award Winners:

Airman of the Year - Senior Airman Joseph D. Massoglia (10th Air Base Wing)

NCO of the Year - Tech. Sgt. Nichole A. M. Haun (Cadet Wing)

Senior NCO of the Year - Senior Master Sgt. Heather L. Henry (Headquarters United States Air Force Academy)

CGO of the Year - Capt. Joshua L. Miller (10th ABW)

Non-Supervisory Civilian of the Year, Cat. 1 - Steven Gonzales (10th ABW)

Non-Supervisory Civilian of the Year, Cat. 2 - Harold D. Gilbert (Preparatory School)

Manager/Supervisor of the Year, Cat. 3 - Debbie E. Southee (10th ABW)

First Sergeant of the Year - Master Sgt. Amber R. Wortman (10th ABW)

Honor Guard Winners:

Airman 1st Class Jimmy J. Perea, Jr. (10th ABW)

Tech. Sgt. Luis R. Caracosa (10th ABW)

Capt. Mario E. Gonzalez (10th ABW)