Wing recognizes outstanding performers of 2011

  • Published
  • By Maj. Erin Karl
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  On the March 2012 drill weekend, the 916th Air Refueling Wing announced a handful of individuals that stood out in 2011 for their job knowledge, service and community participation. The competition was tough as nominees for the wing's annual awards poured in from every group and section in the 916th, but in the end the following individuals were selected as the most outstanding performers for 2011.

CGO of the Year - 1st Lt. Robert Rutland, Pilot
First Lt. Robert Rutland is a pilot in the 77th Air Refueling Squadron. He's a traditional reservist, but served more than 220 days in 2011 in support of NATO, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and presidential support missions. He flew missions on deployment that resulted in more than 1.5 million pounds of fuel being offloaded. Off duty he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and helped raise more than $1,700 to support local needy families through a charity cookout at the Wayne County Fair.

Senior NCO of the Year - Master Sgt. Lori O'Connell, Inflight Air Refueling Instructor
During one of her 19 TDYs in 2011, Master Sgt. Lori O'Connell supported the opening night bombing campaign in Libya by offloading more than 100,000 pounds of fuel to in theater bound B-2 bombers. In total, she was responsible for offloading almost 3.5 million pounds of fuel last year. She also served the Unit Deployment Manager for a very busy squadron, helping 45 members deploy in five different AEFs. She also volunteers with Guardian Brothers, YMCA, and with charities that provide care packages for overseas troops.

NCO of the Year - Tech. Sgt. Travis Swinson, Inflight Air Refueling Technician
While Tech. Sgt Swinson flew almost 250 hours in 2011 and offloaded 2 million pounds of fuel, his superior training skills pushed his award package over the top. Swinson trained active duty, guard, reserve, and NATO flight crews in a multitude of programs. He also provided superior mission planning and managed the weekly schedule meeting for the Wing which maintained continuity between two flying squadrons and maintenance. He's also busy with volunteer work for local retirement homes, Trunk-or-Treat programs and his church.

Airman of the Year - Senior Airman Nyeisha Harrington, Fire Team Member
Senior Airman Nyeisha Harrington spent part of her year deployed to Afghanistan providing security for Air Force people and assets. She was also chosen to work security detail for the Sergeant Major of the Army and the commander of Air Mobility Commander. She also supported the United State Secret Service in providing security detail for U.S. Senator Carl Levin.

On the civilian side Harrington is a supervisor with Enterprise Rent -A-Car. She also volunteers as a victim's advocate with the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator's office and with Airmen Against Drunk Driving.

Senior Civilian of the Year - Donna Lea, Public Affairs Specialist
Donna Lea is the civilian lynch pin for the wing's public affairs office. She manages the civic leader flight program which in 2011 showcased the 916th mission to more than 535 people and was named best in Air Force Reserve Command. Her attention to detail helped the office earn its excellent on the 2011 operational readiness inspection.

"Donna has worked on this base longer than most of us have been in the military," said her supervisor Major Shannon Mann. "Her energy level and enthusiasm for the mission never ceases to amaze me. Every day she works to make the 916th a better place and tell our story to the community. She is the backbone of the public affairs shop and truly deserving of this award."

Junior Civilian of the Year - Alethia Jokines, Commander's Secretary
Alethia Jokines is the commander's right-hand woman. She keeps his schedule and coordinates his letters, documents and taskings. She's the keeper of the wing recall roster and manages the time and attendance for the 250 civilians and ARTs who work in the 916th.

"The best thing about working with the 916th Air Refueling Wing is the people, said Jokines. "It is a privilege to be able to work along with the active duty and reserve members. You can see the pride in the faces of every member of this wing."

First Sergeant of the Year - Master Sgt. William Lester, Security Forces
Master Sgt. Lester's unit increased its manning by 20 percent 2011. They earned an excellent rating on their operational readiness inspection and sent members to support both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Lester supported those 37 deployed members at home.

"I am humbled, said Lester. "I just received an award because I'm assigned to work with a tremendous group of people and I get a paycheck! It almost doesn't seem fair."
Lester is a systems administrator for SAS in his civilian life. He also volunteers by providing computer support for more than 700 computers donated to 75 different organizations. He also ran 5k races that support the Boys and Girls Club and Mothers against Drunk Driving.