Barksdale maintainers receive annual awards

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alyssa C. Miles
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Base leadership and more than 800 Barksdale members attended the 2009 Maintenance Professional of the Year awards banquet Jan. 29.

Several Airmen were recognized as nominees within 21 categories, each displaying "characteristics of the attributes required for the award," according to Senior Master Sgt. Lee Carto, noncommissioned officer in charge of the 20th Bomb Squadron weapons section and event chairman.

"However, the winners exemplified what it means to be the best and achieving the award is a direct reflection of their work ethic," he said.

Ten Airmen received the Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez Award, an honor that recognizes the outstanding contribution of aircraft and munitions missile maintenance.

"I was honored that I was recognized by the wing for the hard work that I put into the 2d Bomb Wing mission," said Senior Master Sgt. Carl Paskey, aircraft supervisor/manager category winner. "I know there are other people performing at the same or higher level than I did. I was excited to be selected. I am humbled to say the least."

Sergeant Paskey worked with the 2d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as the 96th Bomb Squadron's Aircraft Maintenance Unit lead production superintendent during 2009. Now, the senior NCO is supporting the Air Force Global Strike Command mission as a functional manager.

Sergeant Paskey said his goal for this year is to, "Continue to bring the same hard-charging attitude and drive to standing up AFGSC and continue to lead the bomber bases in the right direction at the major command level by providing them with solid, easy to understand ways of performing maintenance on both the aircraft and weapons we use and solving problems as fast as possible."

All award winners will compete at the 8th Air Force level against Airmen from other units under this numbered Air Force. From there, Airmen will compete at the Air Combat Command and Air Force levels.

Sergeant Carto has words of advice for those who are striving to attain a 2010 MPOY award.

"Look in the mirror and ask 'what have I done for the Air Force today,'" he said. "Strive to be the best in your career field and view the core values as a way of life. I guarantee your supervisor will nominate you for awards."

Award Winners

Thomas Barnes Award
Senior Airman Bradly M. Bowen, 2d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Leo Marquez Munitions/Missile Technician
Airman Guillermo A. Morales Jr., 2d AMXS

Leo Marquez Munitions/Missile Technician/Supervisor
Staff Sgt. Michael D. Lyle, 2d Maintenance Operations Squadron

Leo Marquez Munitions/Missile Supervisor/Manager
Senior Master Sgt. John Thomas, 2d Maintenance Group

Leo Marquez Munitions/Missile Company Grade Manager
2d Lt. James W. Vermillion, 2d Munitions Squadron

Leo Marquez Munitions/Missile Field Grade Manager
Maj. Robert B. Leo, 2d MUNS

Leo Marquez Aircraft Technician
Senior Airman Roy G. Ballentine II, 2d MXS

Leo Marquez Award Aircraft Technician/Supervisor
Tech. Sgt. Donald W. Grindstaff II, 2d MXS

Leo Marquez Aircraft Supervisor/Manager
Senior Master Sgt. Carl A. Paskey, 2d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Leo Marquez Aircraft Company Grade Manager
Maj. Steven W. Oliver, 2d MXS

Leo Marquez Aircraft Field Grade Manager
Lt. Col. Manuel G. Griego, 2d AMXS

Maintenance Professional Load Crew of the Year
96th Aircraft Maintenance Unit:
Staff Sgt. Robert P. Gunter, Staff Sgt. Andrew W. Habecker, Senior Airman Amberiel S. Missouri, Airman 1st Class Brian J. Dunn

20th Aircraft Maintenance Unit:
Tech. Sgt. Thomas S. Richey, Staff Sgt. Christopher R. Uecker, Senior Airman Adam P. Renander, Senior Airman Kyle T. Davey

Maintenance Scheduler of the Year
Airman: Senior Airman Eric R. VanEpps
Noncommissioned officer: Tech. Sgt. Giovana R. Klein
Senior NCO: Master Sgt. Vashiti M. Cokes

Maintenance Analyst of the Year
Staff Sgt. Leshona L. Harris, 2d MOS

Training Instructor of the Year
Staff Sgt. Troy N. Hartman, 2d MOS

Unit Training Manager of the Year
Tech. Sgt. Travis E. Gladhill, 2d MOS

Maintenance Professional of the Year Award winners:
Airman: Senior Airman Sarah A. Brown, 2d Maintenance Squadron
Noncommissioned officer: Staff Sgt. Christopher R. Uecker, 2d AMXS
Senior NCO: Master Sgt. David L. Bennett, 2d MOS
Company Grade Officer: 1st Lt. Katherine L. Schifani, 2d MOS