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Show HeadsUp February 20, 2003 Wing names outstanding airmen for 2002 by MaJ. James The featured guest for the 2002 banquet was Dr. Sam Kill a Navajo Code Talker. The Navajo Code Talkers Program was established in 1942 as the result of a recommendation made the previous February by Mr. Phillip Johnston to United States Marine Corps' commanding general at Camp Elliott, R. Wilson 4 19th FW Public Affairs Office 4 9th Fighter Wing hosted its largest awards in recent history at the Ogden Marriott Feb. 8. The Calif. Mr. Johnston was a fluent code talker having lived among the Navajos for 24 years. He believed the language could be 500 reservists and family members from the wing joined community leaders in recognizing the individuals who played a vital role in the unit's recent achievements and mission success. The following members are the 419th FW's Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2(X)2. used for communicating military information in a manner that would be completely unintelligible to anyone except another Navajo. With the commandant's approval, recruitment began in May 1942. Each Navajo underwent basic boot camp training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. Some 29 Navajos comprised the first group and were responsible for devis The Outstanding Airmen of the Year recognition program spawned from the Air Force Association and has been in existence since 1956. The program has since been adopted by most every installation or wing in the Air Force. x :v." 1 , j . JT J&w July 26,2001. The 419th FW joins the nation in saluting these noble warriors and patriots for their unique achievements. Following Dr. Billison's keynote speech, the 419th FW declared the following individuals as its Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2002. Senior Noncommissioned Officer First Sergeant en, rrrur terms not part of their language. Once code talker completed training in the U.S., they were sent to the Pacific for assignment in Marine combat divisions. The code talker program helped to keep U.S. troops one step ahead of the Japanese and emerged as one of the United States' greatest weapons in World War II. In recognition of their dedicated service to America during World War II, President George W. Bush presented the Congressional Gold Medal to the first 29 Navajo Code Talkers on ing Navajo words for military Guard is not just for new or junior members of the wing." One of his proudest moments as a member of the 419th FW was when he had the privilege oJ" folding the American Flag for family members of a fallen pilot during a memorial service and funeral proceedings. On both solemn occasions, when formation (lew overhead in a missing-ma- n it from my felt as heart leapt though "my chest, and my eyes became filled with tears," said Sergeant Hennessy. "It was not only the sadness of losing a 419th family member, but also the pride that I felt to be on this team." Sergeant Hennessy feels the most effective first sergeants are those who are in the job because they want to help people. Although he was recognized as the preeminent first sergeant, he doesn't feel as though he's better than any of the w ing's other first sergeants. "All of our first sergeants are ready, willing and able to step up and do anything they can to assist the 419th members in performing their jobs," said Sergeant Hennessy. "That may not be as exciting as being in or under a jet, but w e know the importance of our role to the men and women who are in these jobs. "1 think I can speak for all first sergeants w hen I say that we're fortunate to be surrounded by such a great group of citizen soldiers and patriots, who continually inspire and teach us." every job performed you have to in our line of business," said Sergeant Marline., "luich one of my mechanics signs off on the work they do. II something goes wrong, the only thing they have to back them up is the T O data. Fundamentally, the reason behind this approach is to keep our pilots safe." Sergeant Martinez has created programs where none existed before to encourage his fellow work- F-1- Senior Master Sgt. Scott Hennessy Senior Master Sgt. Scott Hennessy is a firm As first believer in leading by example. sergeant lor the 466th Fighter Squadron, he decided the best way to develop interest in the 419th Honor Guard among his unit was to join the program. In doing so, he agreed to and has donated countless hours practicing and performing details often on a moment's notice. "I think it sends the message that anyone can be on the Honor Guard," said Sergeant Hennessy. "People need to know the Honor em rfni ii im Airman Kanya Huling understands what it means to deliver She is the on one's responsibilities. linchpin in the 419th Combat Logistics Support Squadron's orderly room. As an information management specialist. Airman Huling plays a key role in accomplishing awards, decorations, and performance reports for more than 225 officers and enlistHer ed members in her squadron. attention to detail has resulted in a revamped "i'r'f isS. L-- v, pneudraulics components recently. Hie result'.' Pneudraulics systems are performing flawlessly because they're cared for and carefully inspected to ensure maximum susiainability. But he'll tell you he doesn't like to spend any more time behind his desk than is absolutely necessary. He supervises more than 35 members of the accessories flight and has a very basic and r L ! straightforward approach to managing people. "1 wouldn't ask any of my people to do anything wouldn't do myself," he said. "If it's taking out the trash or cleaning oil off the fixr, I'll do it and the guys know that. That's been my approach and its worked for me." Sergeant Martinez gives freely of his time and expertise not just to the 419th FW, but also to the local community. I le donates on average of eight hours each week to a local elderly care home as a handyman. When 419th members are serving at faraway locations, he assists the wing's Family Readiness Program by performing general household and auto maintenance for spouses left behind. y achievements. Regardless of his on and did he not admits Martinez, expect to w in Sergeant Senior Master Sgt. Louie Martinez 1 The wing's senior noncommissioned officer of the year sports a resume that lists 29 years of maintenance experience and a vast understanding of fighter operations. Senior Master Sgt. Louie Martinez serves as the Accessories Flight Chief for the 419th Maintenance Squadron. His supervisors say he combines exceptional job knowledge and skill off-dut- the award. "1 was very surprised," he said. "The other reservists nominated in the senior NCO category are of the highest caliber. It means a lot to me. I'm grateful to my supervisors and everyone in the wing who has supported me along the way." Noncommissioned Officer personnel records system ensuring the highest level of accuracy and 100 percent accountability. "I think managing personnel data is very important," said Airman Huling. "My job is to keep track of the time I our members are here training with us. believe units should have easy access to all documents on all of their members. Ultimately, I made a few changes I thought were necessary because I wanted to make sure our members were happy. They shouldn't have to worry about the administrative aspects of training with us." Airman Huling joined the Air Force Reserve in January 2001. Yet her stellar performance has already earned her a position on the CLSS' Senior Staff as well as its Operational Readiness Inspection Preparation Team. Steady and reliable, Airman Huling is often the first to arrive and the last to depart on Unit Training Assembly weekends, according to squadron officials. She has responded on short notice on several occasions to meet deployed members emergency process for rebuilding ventative maintenance judgment," said Maj. John Grubb, 419th Maintenance Squadron commander. "While he shows genuine concern and compassion for those he is responsible for managing, he also holds them accoun table." One of the "secrets" behind Sergeant Martinez's success is his belief that work should be done right, the first time without shortcuts or deviations. "We adhere strictly to Technical Order data on liiirw Senior completely ers to take a proactive role in improving the maintenance process. For example, he developed a pre- with uncanny ability to manage aircraft maintenance specialists and programs. "Sergeant Martinez continually exercises sound Airman Senior Airman Kanya Huling needs. Her ability to solve complex personnel issues has earned her the trust of her fellow squadron members. "It makes me feel really good that the commanders and supervisors have faith in my abilities," said Airman Huling. "I try to always pay attention to details. ..to make the organization work. But I'm just one part of a larger team that working toward accomplishing the same goals." Airman Huling hails from Bangkok, Thailand, and is a tireless advocate for the disadvantaged. She routinely participates in the 419th Fighter Wing's Operation Warm Heart project by collecting food and money to benefit those less fortunate than herself. In addition, she donates countless hours of her time as a volunteer at the Airman's Attic a charitable organization offering goods and items to needy militarv members and their families. Tech. Sgt. Sara Drake admits that it takes a special kind of person to do her job. "Let's face it, normal people don't willingly sit in enclosed places for the majority of their Air Force career," she joked when asked about her job as a command post controller. "I spend a lot of time building and reviewing checklists for the obvious things," she said. "The problem is that it's never the obvious things that I end up JSjLrf W: doing." She offers one example of the "variety" of 1 ! calls that she receives while working in the command post on a given day. "One of the most memorable calls was J when someone who was watching a pet for Li iiniiirniiTiMiiriiiiiiTiifiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii------5'- : one of our deployed members called to say Tech. Sgt. Sara Drake the dog had just jumped out the w indow," said Sergeant Drake. "It's just not something they In counseling though, you're usually teach you at tech school." focused on getting people calmed down after A native of Detroit, Sergeant Drake joined the a traumatic situation and think rationally 419th Command Post in January 2001. She again." While her parents applaud her commitsays she's always been goal oriented as evidenced by her achievements while on active ment to continuing education she plans to return to school and get a doctorate in histoduty she was the 75lh Mission Support in of Airman the 1998 Quarter ry one day her defining moment came Squadron's and earned a promotion below to while wearing the uniform. senior airman a year later. In November, she "The proudest my parents have ever been in for Mental me was when her master's completed degree graduated from Basic Health Counseling graduating with honors. Military Training," she explained. "I was "There are similar auxiliary skills between kind of a bookworm in high school and not think BMT taught me really into athletics. working in the command post and counseling," she said. "To a certain extent they a lot about myself and what I can accomplish both involve dealing with crisis situations. when I put my mind to it." b; W -- he-zone Additional Awards 1 The following wing members were recognized for awards in special categories. First Sergeant's Award - Staff Sgt. Troy Blanch. 419th Combat Logistics Support Squadron Chief's Annual Award - Master Sgt. Michael Parsons. 419th Civil Engineer Squadron Honor Guard Award - Master Sgt. Rulon Walker. 419th Logistics Readiness Squadron 1 Community Supporters The 419th Fighter Wing would like to thank the following local businesses for their support and sponsorship of the 2002 Outstanding Airman of the Year Banquet. 'Dan Clark and Associates 'America West Airlines Ute Rocky Mountain Chapter, Air Force Association 'America First Credit Union Aeronautical University 'Army and Air Force Exchange Service 'Comfort Suites of Clearfield 'Ed Kenley Ford 'Embry-Rlddl- e 'First Security Bank 'Hill Aerospace Museum Foundation 'OgdenWeberDavls Area Chamber of CommerceMilitary Affairs Committee 'Silversmith CasinoState Line Hotel and Casino 'Wasatch Cable Works '419th FW Chief's Group '419th FW First Sergeant's Council '419th FW Top Three Association '419th FW Officers COPY ,1 |