JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The 315th Airlift Wing hosted its inaugural 315th Airlift Wing Awards Gala at the Charleston Marriott in Charleston, South Carolina, June 5, 2021.
The gala paved the way as a formal platform to recognize 315 AW annual award winners, hear from a true person of resiliency, and bring Airmen together for a moment to reflect on our time-honored military heritage and traditions.
Col. Adam Willis, 315 AW commander, gave the opening remarks to more than 300 in attendance. He thanked them for overcoming the many challenges they faced over the past year, and he encouraged all present to keep moving forward daily through resiliency.
“I can honestly say, this past year, you have overcome adversity, you have thrived in the face of challenges, and you have adapted to significant stress,” said Willis “You have bounced back, you have recovered and you will continue to grow and learn from those challenges that drive your resiliency.”
Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Sichan Siv was the guest speaker at the event. He shared his story of living in the Cambodian killing fields and how he eventually escaped in 1976, where he ended up as a refugee in Connecticut with only his mother’s scarf, an empty rice bag and two dollars.
The awards ceremony concluded by honoring the 315 AW 2020 annual award winners in nine different categories, as well as one community partner of the year.
Willis told the award nominees and recipients that the night was all about them and their excellent leadership.
“Tonight is your night,” said Willis. “This night brings us together to recognize you, the Airmen who lead us in excellence! It is your drive, your dedication and your professionalism which we broadcast for all to hear. It is you who honor us as examples we all strive to attain.”
The 315 AW award winners are:
Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Keith Germany, 315th Operations Group
Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Anthony Pasco, 315 OG
Senior NCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Kia Jenkins, 315th Maintenance Group
First Sergeant of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Traci Johnson, 315 OG
Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Helen Tanner, 315th Mission Support Group
Field Grade Officer of the Year: Lt. Col. Natalie Riley, 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
Category I Civilian of the Year: Ms. Christina Williams, 315 AW
Category Ii Civilian of the Year: Mrs. Lisa Watts, 315 MSG
Squadron of the Year: 315 AMDS
Community Partner of the Year: Crown Plaza Charleston
Congratulations to all of the 315 AW award nominees and recipients and thank you for a great year.
Please be sure to follow the 315 AW on Facebook and Instagram, and download the 315 Airlift Wing app for updates and news you can use.