Best and brightest

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chad Warren
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Every month, units from around the 2nd Bomb Wing nominate their best and brightest Airmen to compete for the title of Airman of the Month. This program, which has been in place for more than two years, gives outstanding Airmen the opportunity to be recognized for their commitment to the mission as well as their contributions to the local community.

The path to becoming Airman of the Month is not easy. Individuals must conduct themselves professionally both on- and off-duty in order to stand out among the multitude of outstanding Airmen stationed here.

"Airman 1st Class Katelyn Field was nominated for Airman of the Month because she exemplifies the Air Force core values and the wingman ethos," said Master Sgt. Chad Kraus, 26th Operational Weather Squadron first sergeant.

Field, a 26 OWS weather forecaster, was named 2 BW Airman of the Month for September.

According to Field's supervisor, Staff Sgt. Ted Collins, she raised $13,000 for squadron and community activities, tirelessly volunteers at multiple on- and off-base organizations and even prevented a fellow Airman's suicide.

"This is just a small snapshot of what A1C Field does for Barksdale and the local community," added Kraus. "She is an outstanding Airman with a promising career in the Air Force."

In addition to a trophy and the opportunity to shadow the wing commander for a day, the top Airman is allowed to "fly" in a B-52 flight simulator. However, the recognition doesn't only come from military organizations. Each Airman of the Month is awarded approximately $600 in gifts and donations from various off-base organizations which support the base.

"Each of the Airmen selected every month represents the future of the Air Force and the freedoms we all enjoy each day," said Helen Black, El Dorado Resort and Casino, a major contributor to the base's recognition program. "With their military jobs they still find the time to take part in helping make a difference in so many lives daily."

"Thank you doesn't seem enough," she added.