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MacDill Airman said to be 'well deserving' of Airman of the Year nomination

  • Published
  • By Mr. Nick Stubbs
  • Thunderbolt editor
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Actions speak for themselves, but just in case they don't, being nominated for Airman of the Year in Air Mobility Command says plenty.

Senior Airman Kristina Zacherl, an air traffic controller at MacDill AFB has had a way of standing out since she began work at the tower three years ago. The staff sergeant select doesn't shy from work and doesn't hesitate to get involved in all manner of things above and beyond her duty, said Bruce Morrow, a supervising air traffic control specialist.

Mr. Morrow spoke for Airman Zacherl, because she volunteered for deployment and is in the AOR controlling air traffic.

"She gets involved in a lot of activities to better herself and help others," said Mr. Morrow.

It's never gone unnoticed.

Airman Zacherl is a member of the Honor Guard, a winner of the John Levitow Award, the highest award presented at Airman Leadership School. She has been 6th Operations Support Squadron Airman of the quarter, and was Air Traffic Controller of the Quarter during the same quarter last year. She's given 100 hours to Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for families in need, and she's never missed a beat when it comes to her regular duties.

"She's an outstanding controller and an outstanding (air traffic control) trainer," said Mr. Morrow. "She's well deserving of this nomination."

Mr. Morrow said it likely was Airman Zacherl's volunteer spirit and willingness to give her time to good causes that made her a standout in the judging at AMC. Her key contributions in controlling air traffic carrying 298 tons of supplies for Operation Unified Response in support of Haiti during the earth quake crises, along with her work supporting aircraft involved in the Gulf Oil spill disaster last year probably didn't hurt, Mr. Morrow said.

Airman Zacherl exemplifies how a single Airman can make a difference, and how a can-do attitude leads to great things, said Mr. Morrow, who along with others is looking forward to her return to MacDill, and the possibility she will be picked as AMC Airman of the Year.

The Airman of the Year is one of several competition categories for enlisted members held each year. The winner of the AMC title will go on to compete at the Air Force Level.