Annual award winners named

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Wendy Lopedote
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 916th Air Refueling Wing Commander's Call held during the April unit training assembly was a good opportunity for Col. Gregory S. Gilmour to recognize the accomplishments of many deserving wing members. Most notably, six people were presented with annual awards in their respective categories for outstanding job knowledge, service and community participation during 2012.

"These are your peers who selected you for doing an outstanding job," said Gilmour as he addressed the award winners. "Congratulations and thank you for your great work."

The following individuals were recognized for their outstanding performance in 2012:

CGO of the Year - Capt. Erin H. Pritchard, Operations Officer, 916th Force Services Squadron

Capt. Erin H. Pritchard facilitated a new upgrade training plan for Knowledge Operations Management Programs which resulted in all KOMPs being fully upgraded well ahead of schedule. She also oversaw the wing's Development and Seasoning Training Flights' programs which have become the benchmark for other units in the Air Force Reserve Command. Pritchard's organization skills drastically increased the quality of performance reports and decorations submitted for wing members.

To help improve quality of life for reservists and their families, Pritchard overhauled the Airmen & Family Readiness program, providing leadership for Family Day, Mail for Heroes and Homecoming events. As a volunteer in the community, she provided more than 400 meals for low-income kids to take home on weekends.

Senior NCO of the Year - Master Sgt. Robert R. Reader, Senior AGR, 916th Security Forces Squadron

Master Sgt. Reader was not the senior NCO announced during the commander's call in April, but found out about his unexpected win during a weekly wing commander's staff meeting on May 1, 2013. Reader's dedication and professionalism led the 916th Security Forces to earning a high mark during the wing's Unit Compliance Inspection and having a Security Forces program recognized as a best practice.

His focus was not only on the 916th Security Forces, as he also served as an exercise evaluator helping other wings prepare for their major inspections. He ensured more than 100 deployers were weapons qualified and in his spare moments found time to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in IT management.

NCO of the Year - Tech. Sgt. Tina M. Shasteen, Aerospace Medicine Technician, 916th Aerospace Medicine Squadron

Tech. Sgt. Tina M. Shasteen single handedly re-engineered the self-aid and buddy care program for three squadrons, boosting compliance statistics from 40 percent to 83 percent. She oversaw all medical requirements for 140 deploying personnel for two Operation Enduring Freedom deployments. Shasteen's efforts improved the medication ground management testing program, raising the passing rates from 38 percent compliant to 97 percent in just six months.

As a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, she assisted in home construction for low income families. Shasteen also volunteered her free time to teach dancing lessons and assist judging competitions for a local children's dance studio.

Airman of the Year - Senior Airman James M. Miller, Boom Operator, 77th Air Refueling Squadron

Senior Airman James M. Miller proved to be the refueling squadron's "workhorse" in 2012 by racking up more than 264 flight hours in 100 sorties. These included two high priority presidential-support Operation Noble Eagle missions in which he off-loaded more than 100,000 gallons of fuel. Miller also flew 13 combat-support sorties, off-loading more than 1 million pounds of fuel to coalition aircraft during his Operation Enduring Freedom deployment.

Miller shares his leadership skills with community kids as head coach of the Albertson Youth Sports Association baseball team. He also has more than 30 hours of continuing service at the Albertson Volunteer Fire Department.

Senior Civilian of the Year - Jennifer P. Conway, Telecommunications Specialist, 916th Force Support Squadron

Meticulous management skills helped Jennifer P. Conway spearhead the removal of 2,000 computer vulnerabilities which greatly improved the security of the wing's computer network. An accomplished manager, she administered more than 30 work orders ensuring wing communications needs were met on time and within budget.
With her information system expertise, Conway led the information technology team for successful communications relocation of the 414th Fighter Group and 307th Fighter Squadron.

Conway volunteered at a local school, tutoring students in math, reading and science. In addition, she spends some of her free time assisting the Rosewood Youth Sports Association at local events.

Junior Civilian of the Year - Alida Varney, Reserve Pay Specialist, 916th Air Refueling Wing

In 2012, Alida Varney reliably processed 22,000 transactions totaling $11.6 million in military pay with a less than 1 percent error rate. This effort led to 95 percent of wing members receiving their pay within 10 days. Varney also processed 8,000 Unit Training Assembly Participation System transactions for wing members worth $4.9 million. She efficiently maintained the wing's debt management program restoring $30,000 of government funds back to the wing budget.

In addition to work, Varney is diligently pursuing an accounting degree. She recently completed 24 credits at Mount Olive College while maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average. She is also a member of Tommy's Road Elementary Parent-Teacher Association, volunteering 30 hours as a third-grade class aide and assisting with four dance recitals.