Wing honors exceptional Airmen

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  • By Staff Report
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  More than 400 military personnel, family members and community supporters gathered to recognize Utah's top Air Force Reservists during the 419th Fighter Wing's annual awards banquet at the Davis Conference Center in Layton Saturday.

Attendees heard from Mr. Brad Barton, a local motivational speaker, author and magician, who performed magic tricks throughout his speech.

Barton said his high school wrestling coach taught him that success isn't about winning, but always getting better - a recurring theme in his speech. As a young man, Barton overcame learning disabilities and went on to become an all-star college athlete, he said.

He encouraged the mostly military audience to "break the power of deceptive illusions" by choosing to better themselves.

"You can't make a better investment than in yourself," he said. "Tonight's nominees set goals, worked hard, and they got here. That's what makes you the greatest fighting force in the history of mankind. You've got magic."

Col. Bryan Radliff, 419th Fighter Wing commander, also took the stage to congratulate the winners.

"Thank you for serving," he said. "You've heard me say that before, but I don't say it lightly. Be proud of your accomplishments and the units you represent."

The wing recognized the exemplary achievement of the following personnel:

Civilian of the Year
Mr. Cooper Remkes, Office Service Assistant, 419th Maintenance Squadron

Remkes processed more than 680 orders, generating nearly 7,000 man hours for the maintenance squadron. He flawlessly managed the largest file plan in the wing and assured 11 offices of records were compliant throughout 38 Staff Assistance Visits. Remkes completed 29 semester hours at Weber State University toward a double major in physics and German, maintaining a phenomenal 3.9 grade point average. He delivered a capstone presentation on physics that included 70 hours of personal research on fluid dynamics. Remkes also serves as an assistant coach for a local high school wrestling team in his spare time.

Airman of the Year
Senior Airman Frederick Danneman, Mental Health Service Craftsman, 419th Medical Squadron

During last year's Combined Unit Inspection, Danneman instituted a comprehensive checklist, resulting in zero discrepancies. During his attendance at technical school, Danneman maintained an outstanding 94 percent on all exams and made the dean's list for academic achievement. He is now on track to achieve upgrade training six months ahead of schedule. In the local community, Danneman volunteered to assist the Saint Vincent De Paul mission in preparing meals for more than 300 needy people. He has also been selected as Airman of the Year for 10th Air Force and will go on to compete at Air Force Reserve Command.

NCO of the Year
Tech. Sgt. Brice Hollender, F-16 Crew Chief, 419th MXS

Hollender led and directed 30 maintenance personnel, assigned to six F-16s. His efforts resulted in his section maintaining a fantastic 92-percent fully mission-capable rating from July through October, smashing the previous Air Force standard by more than 10 percent. Hollender also revamped the maintenance section's safety program, identifying and correcting outdated material, and updated safety briefings to 55 personnel. Due to his efforts, the section's yearly mishap and injury rate was reduced by a phenomenal 73 percent. Hollender also raised more than $1,400 in support of the Fallen Soldier Memorial charity drive.

Senior NCO of the Year
Senior Master Sgt. Marites Ramoneda-Thomas, Chief of Education and Training, 419th Force Support Squadron

Ramoneda-Thomas was instrumental in leading, mentoring and preparing the military personnel flight through an intensive Combined Unit Inspection last year. She and her team were named superior performers. Ramoneda-Thomas supported two Yellow Ribbon events, advising and educating more than 80 Airmen on subjects ranging from GI Bill benefits to tuition assistance procedures. She also made significant changes to the lodging reservations process for members, saving the wing more than $3,000 per month.

First Sergeant of the Year
Master Sgt. Jenny Nicholson, First Sergeant, 419th FSS

Nicholson displayed her wingman skills by correctly identifying Airmen in need and ensuring they received proper support. Her efforts displayed what being a first sergeant is all about - protecting the Air Force's most valuable resource, its Airmen. Nicholson also became a fitness role model when she returned to "fit-to-fight" form just six months after a complicated pregnancy. She also volunteered weekly at a local elementary school, teaching reading and writing skills to 24 children who were learning English as a second language.

Company Grade Officer of the Year
Capt. John Young, Logistics Officer, 67th Aerial Port Squadron

Young volunteered for a six-month deployment to Southwest Asia as a convoy commander, directing more than 40 critical material movements in support of resupply missions. In this capacity, he distributed more than 2,500 tons of supplies and 81 vehicles, worth more than $4.5 million. Young led squadron personnel during 52 mission surges, safely executing the movement of 150 tons of cargo with zero delays. While deployed, he also volunteered for the honor guard, participating in more than 15 drills and ceremonies, and provided Christmas gifts to special needs children at a local elementary school there.

Other notable awards presented throughout the evening include the following:

Diamond Excellence Award
Tech. Sgt. Amanda Siaosi, 419th FSS

Chief's Award
Senior Airman Errol Flynn, 419th Security Forces Squadron

Honor Guard Member of the Year
Maj. Ty Campbell, 419th MDS

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