916th ARW Airmen Honored as Best in ‘06

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brandon Rizzo
  • 916 ARW/PA
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NC --  Four Airmen of the 916th Air Refueling Wing were recognized for excellence in the performance of their duties within the wing on April 14.

These Airmen were evaluated on their leadership and job performance in their primary duties, significant self-improvement and base or community involvement.

"It's always nice to have your folks recognized - especially as annual award winners," said Lt. Col. James Horton, commander, 716th Communications Flight.

Senior Airman Patrick Steele was named the 916th ARW's Airman of the Year. Airman Steele is a communications computer operator with the 716th Communications Flight (CF). Throughout 2006, he provided notable support to the 916th ARW through his management of numerous work stations, resolution of local area network issues, recovery of critical data, and improving network security and reliability. His efforts enhanced the capabilities and overall efficiency of the wing.

"Senior Airman Steele has been outstanding since he's been here, and I continue to expect great things from him," said Lt. Col. Horton.

Staff Sgt. Charles Alford was named the 916th ARW's Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Staff Sgt. Alford is a technical control technician with the 716th CF. He volunteered a full year of his computer expertise in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His leadership and instructional support regarding the techniques and operational procedures within his shop, as well as his supervision of the operation and maintenance of equipment, was instrumental in the success of his unit's mission.

Staff Sgt. Alford was also responsible for the installation of field wire, aerial cable, DSN lines, and other network hardware and wiring. This enabled the use of secure lines essential to providing communication for command and control centers during joint tactical operations with the U.S. Army, as well as for non-secure lines for morale activities.

"Sergeant Alford volunteered for two (Iraq) rotations back to back," said Lt. Col. Horton. "He did an excellent job in his previous deployments and became a spokesperson for volunteering."

Master Sgt. Grady Raynor was named the 916th ARW's Senior NCO of the Year. Master Sgt. Raynor is a heavy equipment supervisor with the 916th Civil Engineer Squadron.

"It takes many awesome troops to be a highly performing unit like the 916th CES. It's very satisfying to see them individually recognized outside of the squadron," said Lt. Col. Kerri Grimes, commander, 916th CES. "Sergeant Raynor is not only a very talented equipment operator, he is an outstanding leader. He consistently sets the standards for his shop and the entire squadron never settling for less than his very best."

Master Sgt. Raynor volunteered for two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was "instrumental in planning and construction of critical infrastructure at Q-West Forward Operating Base," according to his award nomination. He led his teams in the construction of landing zones, roads and operational areas that were essential to the success of various missions, including medical evacuations. His efforts helped increase the response time of the Iraqi Army, as well lent support to the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division. Master Sgt. Raynor was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal "for superior service support" to the Army's 3rd Infantry Division.

"Sergeant Raynor is the type of individual that I can count on to go anywhere in the world and get the job done," said Chief Master Sgt. Martin Donohue, civil engineer manager with the 916th CES. "He always leads by example," he added. "He's the type of individual that whatever the challenge, he gets the job done. His airmen look up to him, and he's an asset to our squadron."

Captain Thaddeus Janicki, operations officer for the 716th CF, received the Company Grade Officer of the Year award. Captain Janicki volunteered for a full year of duty in Afghanistan, and participated in 42 combat operations convoys. He saved an eight-year old Afghan boy's life following a hit-and-run accident by conducting first-aid, providing security and aiding in casualty evacuation. Additionally, he organized two Blackhawk helicopter flights for seven soldiers, allowing them to return to battle.

The captain also aced the Afghan Dari language course for U.S. troops and created an Afghan-wide English/Dari seven-week computer essentials course. He has developed websites and programmed secure databases for various missions. Captain Janicki has also led several teams in many operations, including the team responsible for all of the 916th ARW's computers and servers, which is responsible for more than $1 million in assets.

He has excelled in the area of self-improvement by completing intense combat skills and theater immersion training and has volunteered in his community through participation in everything from VIP funerals and ROTC, to building houses for Habitat for Humanity.

"Captain Janicki has a history of being a winner at the 916th," said Lt. Col. Horton. "His one-year stint with the Army will provide great insight as the 916th Communications Squadron becomes a deployment player in the future."

Through their accomplishments during their service with their current units, these Airmen have also helped the 916th ARW to be recognized by Air Force Reserve Command on a national level.

"I think the thing that stands out to me the most, is that these Airmen have done so many things outside of the wing and on deployments," said Chief Master Sgt. Lester Boltinhouse, command chief master sergeant of the 916th ARW. "But they have also managed to remain an integral part of operations here in the wing as well as helping their neighbors in their local communities."