SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- During a banquet here April 15, Gen. John W. Handy, commander of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command, announced AMC's four nominees for the Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen and First Sergeant of the Year competition for 2004.
The nominees and their respective category are: Airman First Class Heather J. Lobalbo (Airman); Technical Sgt. Michael J. Hassett (NCO); Senior Master Sgt. Michael W. David (Senior NCO); and Senior Master Sgt. Alexander D. Perry (First Sergeant).
Gen. John W. Handy, commander of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command, described the AMC nominees as the "best of the best," a significant accomplishment considering the caliber of professionals who make up the command.
The general also said he is extremely proud of each of the nominees and looks forward to the command-level winners representing AMC in the upcoming Air Force competition. The Air Force Outstanding Airmen and First Sergeant should be named early this summer.
In addition to representing AMC during the Air Force competition, AMC's four nominees share something else in common -- numerous professional and personal achievements. Outstanding Airman
Airman Lobalbo is an aerospace ground equipment apprentice assigned to the 60th Equipment Maintenance Squadron at Travis AFB, Calif. According to Maj. Steven Hardy, 60th EMS commander, Airman Lobalbo is an outstanding Airman who "performs at NCO level."
In noting Airman Lobalbo's accomplishments, the major said Airman Lobalbo produced 165 aerospace ground equipment maintenance actions -- twice the normal operations -- and assisted with 6,475 C-5 aircraft sorties and 2,825 sorties in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Major Hardy also said Airman Lobalbo was the driving force behind Travis AFB's in-house corrosion control efforts as she led a two-person team in painting 100 AGE units, which saved the Air Force $325,000.
Airman Lobalbo is also very active in her community, serving as a worship team leader for the Chapel Center's "Inside Out" Protestant church service. She also volunteers her time during local charity events in association with the Travis Hospitality House. In addition to charity work, she has volunteered to sing the national anthem and other musical numbers at more than 35 retirements, change of commands, and other wing-level functions.
Outstanding NCO
Sergeant Hassett is an anti-terrorism/force protection NCO assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron at MacDill AFB, Fla. The 6th SFS commander, Lt. Col. Steven Kauffmann, called the sergeant an "absolute powerhouse." The colonel also described Sergeant Hassett as "proactive, innovative and focused."
In listing the sergeant's accomplishments, Colonel Kauffmann said Sergeant Hassett's expertise was vital to providing airtight security for U.S. Central Command's Coalition Village, which houses more than 2,800 war planners from more than 70 nations. Additionally, the colonel said Sergeant Hassett ensured "unbreachable" security for MacDill's first presidential visit in 40 years. He said AMC's top NCO coordinated security concerns with the Tampa Police Department and helped man the Tampa department's mobile command post during the historic visit. Colonel Kauffmann said Sergeant Hassett also performed "flawless security support" for secretary of defense and Air Force chief of staff visits to that base.
Sergeant Hassett holds an associate's degree from the Community College of the Air Force in criminal justice and is currently attending Saint Leo University where he is majoring in psychology. Aside from his educational achievements, Sergeant Hassett was selected as NCO of the year at both squadron and wing level.
Outstanding senior NCO
Sergeant David is the Mission Systems Flight superintendent with the 437th Communications Squadron at Charleston AFB, S.C. Lt. Col. John Keffer, 437th CS commander, said Sergeant David was the "thrust" behind the success of a $9 million base infrastructure installation at Charleston, which included 54 miles of fiber optic cable and 1,500 pair of copper. The colonel said the installation integrated 131 buildings, cutting base-wide outages from 60 to 20 per year and creating a system uptime of 99.8 percent.
Colonel Keffer said Sergeant David also led the deployment of a mobile microwave landing system to Southwest Asia. According to colonel, the airfield control equipment was 100 percent operational upon initial installation in an austere location, and was vital to the success of cargo and troop support for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
During his off-duty time, Sergeant David serves as a mentor for local area youth. The sergeant also holds an associate's degree in Electronic Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force.
Outstanding first sergeant
Sergeant Perry is first sergeant with the 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Travis AFB, but was selected as AMC's outstanding first sergeant based on his duties with the 715th Air Mobility Squadron at Travis. Col. James Rennie, formerly the vice commander for the 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force at Travis, called Sergeant Perry a "remarkable leader" and a "deployed warrior."
Colonel Rennie said Sergeant Perry, while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, secured $1 million to renovate security forces living conditions and improve the quality of life and morale of deployed personnel there. During the deployment, the sergeant was also credited with revising a $100,000 weekly beddown contract, as well as creating an emergency leave program that helped speed the reunion of about 38 people, including four U.S. Army soldiers. He also helped negotiate a $150,000 monthly billeting contract, moving aircrews closer to the airfield and eliminating two-hour transportation delays.
In addition to his mission-related accolades, AMC's first sergeant nominee was selected as the 2004 First Sergeant Council president. He was also lauded for his involvement in Operation Warmheart, a program that provided about 240 holiday food baskets and helped raise more than $13,000. Recognized by his commander as having the "highest base-level involvement," Sergeant Perry also supported the First-Term Airman's Center, Airmen Leadership School, VA-Day Parade, the Spring Fling Family event, the Holiday Cheer and Toys 4 Tots programs, and numerous squadron and wing-level functions.