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315th Announces Annual Award Winners CY 2012

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Joint Base Charleston, S.C. --  The 315th Airlift wing here released the names of the annual award winners for CY 2012 Jan. 4, 2013.

The annual awards covered seven categories, and a total of 31 members from the 315 AW competed in their respective slots.

After much consideration by the 2012 selection boards, the annual award winners are:
  • Airman of the year - Senior Airman Brian Jones, 701st Airlift Squadron
  • NCO of the year - Staff Sgt. Melanie Fields, 300th Airlift Squadron
  • Senior NCO of the year  - Master Sgt. Kevin Brackett, 315th Maintenance Squadron
  • Company grade officer of the year - Capt. Fred Hosenfeld, 315th Airlift Control Flight
  • Field grade officer of the year - Lt. Col. James Bruce, 317th Airlift Squadron
  • First sergeant of the year Master Sgt. Barry McCourry, 701st Airlift Squadron
  • Civilian of the year - Victor McKinnon, 315th maintenance Squadron
     
Eligible for the coveted awards were 315 AW quarterly-award winners who remained competitive for annual nomination. In addition to the previous wing-level quarterly winners, each group commander had the ability to nominate one additional person per category. There was no limit to the number of first sergeant packages eligible for submission.

Individual nominations included a write-up of specific facts, achievements, and examples. The write-up showed how each person stood out among their peers and highlighted each person's exceptional achievements throughout the year.

According to Maj. Tamara Scholl, 315 AW executive officer, selection board members are volunteers and there is one representative from each group for each board.

The selection board members convened together, reviewed packages and gave each individual an overall score. After all of the scoring was completed in each category, the nominee with the highest point total was declared the winner.

Being nominated at this award level is an achievement all by itself. The 315 AW has many talented individuals to choose from, and picking the right person for each award was tough when faced with such an extensive list of high achievers.

"Our award winners are selected by one of the most competitive boards we hold all year," said Col. James Fontanella, 315 AW commander. "It's like the Olympic Trials, and every player is world-class! The decisions were tough, but believe me when I say this year's winners have earned their titles. I commend all of the winners, but I'd also like to recognize the outstanding achievements of all the nominees. Congratulations and well done!"

All enlisted award winners will be forwarded to 4th Air Force for consideration to the next level.