AMC names 2008 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Published May 1, 2009 By Headquarters AMC Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- During the 2008 Air Mobility Command Outstanding Airmen and First Sergeant of the Year banquet April 29 at the Scott AFB Club, 12 AMC OAY finalists were recognized and four of the finalists were selected to go on to compete at Air Force level. The AMC 2008 Outstanding Airmen of the Year are: Senior Airman Brian J. Buhrer, Airman of the Year Tech. Sgt. Manuel J. Herrera, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year; and Master Sgt. Leonard J. Arsenault, Senior NCO of the Year. These Airmen will now go on to compete at the annual 12 Outstanding Airmen competition. The Air Force Association honors the 12 Outstanding Airmen at its annual convention in Washington, D.C., later this year. The program was initiated at the Air Force Association's 10th annual national Conference, held in New Orleans in 1956. In addition to the AMC Airman, NCO and Senior NCO of the Year nominees, Master Sgt. Bruce N. Russell was named the AMC Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year. Sergeant Russell will now compete in the Air Force-level First Sergeant of the Year competition. ------------------------------------------- Senior Airman Brian Buhrer Airman Buhrer is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal journeyman assigned to the 87th Civil Engineer Squadron (87th Air Base Wing), Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Airman Buhrer is currently attending Burlington Community College and has courses in public speaking, financial management, introduction to music, and bio-technology. His awards and decorations include the U.S. Army Commendation Medal and the Air Force Combat Action Medal. Additionally, he was selected for promotion to senior Airman below-the-zone, as well as squadron Airman of the quarter, deployed Airman of the month (Baghdad), and has earned a squadron Sharp Troop award. Tech. Sgt. Manuel Herrera Sergeant Herrera is the EOD Flight NCOIC, 375th CES (375th Airlift Wing), Scott AFB, Ill. Sergeant Herrera earned his Community College of the Air Force degree in Explosive Ordnance Disposal and is currently attending McKendree University, working toward an undergraduate degree in computer science. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal. He has also been awarded the AMC General Lupia Technician of the Year award; the United Services Organization Salute to Heroes Multiservice Award; the Air Force Association Pitsenbarger award for outstanding academic achievement, and he is a three-time squadron NCO of the year. Master Sgt. Leonard Arsenault Sergeant Arsenault is a flight chief and special projects manager assigned to the 375th Security Forces Squadron (375th AW), Scott AFB. He has an associate's degree in criminal justice, and his military awards and decorations include: Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters; Army Commendation Medal; Air Force Achievement Medal with five oak leaf clusters; and the Army Achievement Medal. Sergeant Arsenault also earned the 66th Security Forces Squadron NCO of the Year for 2004 and 2006; he was a 2004 Distinguished Graduate at the NCO Academy; he was the 2004 Lance P. Sijan winner for the 66th ABW and Electronic System Center; and he was the 2002 Billy Jack Carter winner for U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Master Sgt. Bruce Russell Sergeant Russell is the first sergeant for the 436th Maintenance Squadron (436th AW), Dover AFB. Since arriving at Dover AFB, he has served as first sergeant for 436th Communications Squadron, the 436th SFS, the 9th Airlift Squadron, and the 436th MXS. He has completed two Community College of the Air Force associate degrees in human resource management and avionics system technology. He also has a bachelor's degree in business management from Wilmington University, Del. Sergeant Russell's awards and decorations include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal; the Air Force Commendation Medal; and the Air Force Achievement Medal.