Oscar can't top the best the 916th has to offer

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Terrica Jones
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  With the Oscars this past weekend, the 916th Air Refueling Wing decided to showcase their own award winners in three categories highlighting outstanding work in 2010.

Senior Master Sgt. Matthew F. Turcotte, a maintenance flight chief with the 916th Air Refueling Wing Maintenance Squadron received the Outstanding Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award here.

Sergeant Turcotte displayed his talents in 2010 for saving the Air Force Reserve time and money. He implemented a "paperless" inspection form process and completed more than 2,500 discrepancies, which ultimately culminated in a large manpower savings. As a flight chief, he managed three periodic evaluations, but cut the periodic evaluation inspection from 25 days to 18 days. While performing these primary duties he has also safeguarded and returned 200 repairable equipment items worth more than 300,000 dollars.

Sergeant Turcotte used his military leadership skills to make a difference in his community too. He is a certified ministry teacher, in which he completed more than 90 hours with the Ministry of Naperville Church, Ill. But using his skills to help youth may be his biggest contribution.

His leadership extends to the Boy Scouts where he serves as a den leader and a life skills teacher responsible for ensuring 13 young men complete 129 tasks, Sergeant Turcotte is also a Lads to Leaders coach for the public speaking and leadership. His debate team received first place for eight years in which two university scholarships were awarded.

Leadership of the 916th Air Refueling Wing was also pleased to announce that Tech. Sgt. Daniel S. Paus, 916th Security Forces received the Outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award.

In 2010, Sergeant Paus made a difference by volunteering to fill a critical year-long need with security forces. In the process he piloted armory renovations securing 178,000 dollars for a collapsible weapons storage system. He also ensured 100 percent asset accountability by reorganizing the storage of the M9 ammunition.

His accomplishments did not end at home station, but extended overseas guaranteeing supply assets to the war fighter. He requisitioned 250,000 dollars in vital weapons and equipment for those serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Along with his achievements in the military he volunteered with Adopt-A-Highway, Habitat for Humanity and the Meals on Wheels program in which he delivered more than 40 meals to the disabled and the elderly.

Finally, in the category of Outstanding Airman of the Year, Senior Airman Desmond L. Faison, 916th Communications Squadron, received the nod for 2010.

Airman Faison volunteered more than 200 days on continuous orders in support the wing's operational readiness exercises and inspection. He prepared user logins and network security for more than 100 deployable laptops, a critical need for the wing's success.

Airman Faison took time to assist others with mobility equipment turn-in to ensure that 3.2 million dollars worth of equipment assets were properly redistributed. He also single handedly inventoried more than 300 fixed and deployable land mobile radios ensuring 100 percent accountability.

Much like his two co-stars mentioned above, he is also actively involved with his community. He established a non-profit organization which provided two scholarships to Bethel High School students in Virginia. He donated more than 300 pounds of clothing to the Hampton Virginia Goodwill to help those in need.

With stellar leadership skills, contributions at home and abroad and visibility in the community, these three Airmen represent what outstanding Citizen Airmen, and the 916th Air Refueling Wing, is all about. Congratulations to all!

Editor's note: Capt. Nick Alcocer, 911th pilot and executive officer for the 916th Mission Support Group was honored as the 916th's Outstanding Company Grade Officer of the Year and Mr. Beverly Lipford, administrative assistant for the 916th Operations Group commander was honored as the 916th's Outstanding Civilian of the Year. As of the print date of the article this information was not known to the public affairs staff, but we wanted to thank them all fo their amazing work and contributions to making this the best refueling wing in the command!