AMC finalists in 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year announced Published April 11, 2006 By Senior Airman Rhina Portillochacon 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AMCNS) -- The Air Mobility Command’s 12 Outstanding Airmen and First Sergeant of the Year ceremony was held at the Scott Club April 6. More than 200 people from AMC bases, including Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander, and newly assigned 18th Air Force command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Brye McMillon, attended the ceremony, which highlighted this year’s 12 nominees. “They’ve endured challenging deployments, grueling exercises and tough workloads to break from the pack and be set apart as the command’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year,” said Tech. Sgt. Randy Kunkleman, Airmen Leadership School instructor and one of the masters of ceremony. “They come from various parts of the world but stand united in the single purpose of service to the United States of America.” While only four AMC finalists were chosen to compete at Air Force level, all 12 Airmen were recognized for their professionalism and dedication.“All of our nominees this evening have already excelled in a very competitive selection process. Reaching this point required exceptional duty performance, dedication, and a lot of hard work. They are all superstars,” said Staff Sgt. Amanda Hulsey, ALS instructor and the second master of ceremonies. “Together, they represent over 43,000 AMC enlisted members assigned throughout the world.” The 2006 AMC nominees for the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year at the AF level are: Airman of the Year – Staff Sgt. David Plachno, Andrews AFB, Md. NCO of the Year – Tech. Sgt. Patrick Holtzmann, Grand Forks AFB, N.D. SNCO of the Year – Master Sgt. Barbara Dalton, McConnell AFB, Kan. First Sergeant of the Year – Senior Master Sgt. Robert Frank, Charleston AFB, S.C.