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AMC Outstanding Airmen of the Year recognized April 29

  • Published
  • By Mark Diamond
  • Headquarters AMC Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  During this year's Air Mobility Command Outstanding Airmen and First Sergeant of the Year banquet April 29, 12 AMC Airmen will be recognized as the best of the best in their respective categories. Additionally, during the banquet, three of these Airmen - from the Airman, NCO and senior NCO categories -- will be selected to represent the command during the upcoming Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen competition. Also, one of the AMC first sergeant nominees will be selected to compete at the Air Force-level First Sergeant of the Year competition.

The AMC Outstanding Airmen of the Year banquet will be held at the Scott AFB Club April 29 beginning at 6 p.m. This year's theme is, "Leading the Next Greatest Generation." Dress is semi formal or mess dress for military attendees, and coat and tie for civilian attendees.

According to AMC's top enlisted manager, Command Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Barron, narrowing the list of AMC nominees down to 12 was no easy task.

"I am extremely proud of each of AMC's Outstanding Airmen of the Year finalists," said the chief. "As General Lichte (AMC commander) and I travel throughout the command, we are amazed at the caliber of Airmen we have throughout our Air Force, and believe me, there are many other Airmen throughout AMC who are worthy of this recognition. Narrowing the nominees down to 12 was no easy task, and selecting only four to represent the command at the Air Force level will be even more difficult.

The following 12 Airmen were selected as the top AMC Airmen in their respective categories:

AIRMAN CATEGORY

Senior Airman Brian J. Buhrer, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal journeyman assigned to the 87th Civil Engineer Squadron (87th Air Base Wing), Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

Senior Airman Alan R. McNew III, a security forces installation patrolman assigned to the 92nd Security Forces Squadron (92nd Air Refueling Wing), Fairchild AFB, Wash.

Senior Airman James L. Ponziano, a C-17A loadmaster assigned to the 3rd Airlift Squadron (436th Airlift Wing), Dover AFB, Del.

NCO CATEGORY

Technical Sgt. Micheal Brian Cumberland, a section chief assigned to the 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (60th Air Mobility Wing), Travis AFB, Calif.

Technical Sgt. Manuel J. Herrera, the EOD Flight NCOIC, 375th CES (375th Airlift Wing), Scott AFB, Ill.

Technical Sgt. Timothy J. Tracey, an aircraft electrical and environmental systems craftsman assigned to the 19th Maintenance Squadron (19th Airlift Wing), Little Rock AFB, Ark.

SENIOR NCO CATEGORY

Master Sgt. Len J. Arsenault, a flight chief and special projects manager assigned to the 375th SFS (375th AW), Scott AFB.

Master Sgt. Amanda Rae Hugo, an EOD flight chief with the 19th CES (19th AW), Little Rock AFB.

Master Sgt. Shannon L. Rix, the Commandant, Grand Forks Airman Leadership School and First Term Airmen Center, and the wing career assistant advisor, 319th Force Support Squadron (319th ARW), Grand Forks AFB, N.D.

FIRST SERGEANT CATEGORY

Master Sgt. Danny L. Davis is the first sergeant for the 3rd Aerial Port Squadron (43rd AW), Pope AFB, N.C.

Master Sgt. Bruce N. Russell is the first sergeant for the 436th Maintenance Squadron (436th AW), Dover AFB.

Senior Master Sgt. John A. Balderaz is the first sergeant for the 92nd SFS (92nd ARW), Fairchild AFB.

"General Lichte and I thank all of you for the sacrifices and contributions you provide to the AMC mission," added Chief Barron. "To all 12 nominees, congratulations and best of luck as you compete at the next level!"

AMC LIVE

During this year's AMC Outstanding Airmen and First Sergeant of the Year banquet, information and imagery will be announced via the Internet as events unfold. For up-to-date information during the event, visit the AMC Facebook page ("Mobility Airmen"). Additionally, the event will be announced via the AMC Public Affairs Twitter account at www.twitter.com/amc_pa.