'Mighty Eighth' names 2010's Outstanding Airmen of the Year Published March 7, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives Eighth Air Force Public Affairs SHREVEPORT, La. -- In a gala event held at the Eldorado Resort and Casino in Shreveport, La., on March 3, the Eighth Air Force announced their Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2010 in seven categories including: Airman, Non-Commissioned Officer, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, First Sergeant, Company Grade Officer, Civilian Category I and Civilian Category II. The winners will represent the "Mighty Eighth" at the Air Force Global Strike Command OAY ceremony on March 24. "We at the 'Mighty Eighth' are extremely proud of all the nominees for their accomplishments over the past year," said Chief Master Sgt. Brian Hornback, Eighth Air Force command chief. "The nominees competing at this level truly are the best of the best in Eighth Air Force; they have led by example and showcase the excellence we strive for in the Mighty Eighth. The competition was very tough and although we had to narrow down to these Airmen that will go to represent us at the next level, all the nominees are winners and reflect what makes the Mighty Eighth so great, our people." The OAY banquet recognizes the nominees for their superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements. "Each of the nominees is already a winner, and they represent the best of the Eighth Air Force," said Col. Robert Gass, Eighth Air Force vice commander. Each of the nominees took back something different from the week of activities. "It's an honor to be here," said Senior Airman Marthinus Taljaard, from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La. "If it wasn't for my leadership and parents mentoring me all of my life I wouldn't be here today, because this event is more than just about me." "It was a humbling experience," said John Garrett, from Headquarters Eighth Air Force. "Just being able to meet the other nominees and learning what they have done has motivated me to strive to do even more for Eighth Air Force. I believe the whole experience of how we were recognized was just outstanding." "My favorite part about the whole event was the 'speed chiefing,'" said Airman 1st Class Desiree Flynn, from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D. "It meant a lot for the chiefs to take their time like that and let us ask any question on our minds. It was interesting to ask some of the same questions and get a feel for their different views on certain subjects. I really feel as though this experience caused me to grow in areas such as my knowledge about the Air Force, as well as, my professionalism. This experience has impacted me in a very good way." This year's event was organized by a team of volunteers led by Master Sgt. Derek Groeling, 608th Strategic Operations Center strategic armament system manger. "This event really came together because of all the teamwork that was put into it by the Eighth Air Force Top Three and associated committees," said Sergeant Groeling. "We had a wonderful team which caused the banquet to turn out wonderful." The Outstanding Airmen of the year for the Mighty Eighth are: Airman category Senior Airman Marthinus Taljaard, 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, La. NCO category Tech. Sgt. Bradley Williams, 5th Bomb Wing, Minot AFB, N.D. Senior NCO category Master Sgt. Robert Dalton Jr., 5th Bomb Wing, Minot AFB, N.D. First Sergeant Master Sgt. Steven Kish, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, Mo. CGO category Capt. Michael S. Pontius, 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, La. Civilian Category I Rebecca Smith, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, Mo. Civilian Category II John Garrett, Headquarters Eighth Air Force