Annual banquet honors service, sacrifice Published Feb. 27, 2012 By Bryan Magaña 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Nearly 500 people attended the 419th Fighter Wing's Outstanding Airman of the Year awards banquet Saturday, as military members, families and community supporters gathered to honor the wing's top performers. Attendees heard from guest speaker Mr. Phil Taylor, artist and founder of The American Fallen Soldiers Project, which was formed to help provide comfort and healing to mourning families of fallen military men and women. During his speech, Taylor said he spends up to 150 hours painting portraits of servicemembers who died in combat. Throughout the process, he works closely with the family, then presents the finished work at a special dedication ceremony. Although Taylor has painted more than 100 portraits since the project launched in 2007, and travels around the world to unveil them, the artist said he wants recognition to be redirected to those in uniform--especially those who paid the ultimate price. "I'm simply a vehicle, a vessel," he told the audience. "I only reflect the heroism of the men and women I paint, and I'm honored to be a part of their story." This year's event was amped up with a performance by Reserve Generation, part of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, who played a four-song set before the awards presentations, when the wing announced winners from the following categories: First Sergeant of the Year Senior Master Sgt. John Sowder, 419th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron As first sergeant of the aircraft maintenance squadron, Sowder coordinated the movement of more than 25 active duty and Reserve personnel on the Theater Security Package deployment to Kunsan Air Base, Korea. While deployed, he built and executed a complex beddown plan for all deployers who were lodged in 31 separate facilities. He was also instrumental in getting 80 deployers moved from plywood huts to an available dormitory, and thus ensured 100 percent personnel accountability. Also in 2011, Sowder graduated the Air Force Material Command's Leadership Development Program, and completed Effective Government Writing and Presentation Skills Training. In addition, he volunteered more than 40 hours to the Ogden Habitat for Humanity, an 18-bed space housing project for destitute women, and volunteered more than 30 hours to the Republic of Korea Orphanage. Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Master Sgt. Jeffrey Hartman, 419th Maintenance Squadron As a non-destructive inspection section chief, Hartman led more than 30 active duty and Reserve members in the NDI inspections of 62 F-16 C and G aircraft, resulting in the maintenance squadron's successful generation of more than 7,100 sorties and 13,500 flying hours. He also discovered 225 overdue F-16 aircraft structural integrity program inspections. In this capacity, he ensured these critical inspections were completed and the squadron's flying capability was maintained. Also in 2011, Hartman continued his studies toward a bachelor's degree in strategic leadership, which currently stands 94 percent complete, and maintains an excellent 3.25 grade point average. In addition, he is a Layton Christian Academy member who helped raise more than $36,000 toward children's education. Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Tech. Sgt. Andrew Evans, 67th Aerial Port Squadron As an air transportation craftsman, Evans volunteered for a 180-day deployment to Thumrait Air Base, Oman in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While deployed and acting as supervisory aircraft load planner, Evans organized the movement of more than $700 million of military assets on more than 450 critical aircraft missions. His superb organization skills resulted in aircraft load capabilities being maximized and vital supplies and equipment being delivered to coalition forces downrange. Also in 2011, he completed more than 100 hours of SCUBA diving instruction to earn his Master SCUBA diver certification. In addition, Evans is a skilled vocalist who volunteered his talents to a local choir group. In this capacity, he dedicated more than 150 hours in support of community events. Airman of the Year Senior Airman Ricardo De Paula, 67th Aerial Port Squadron As an air transportation journeyman, De Paula was one of the first to volunteer for a 120-day deployment to Balad, Iraq, in support of Operation New Dawn. While deployed and serving as passenger service representative, he was instrumental in the processing of 58,000 passengers and 166,000 short-tons of cargo for more than 3,800 flight missions. He was also instrumental in the recovery of more than 200 lost bags, saving the military more than $120,000 in lost computer assets and equipment. Also in 2011, De Paula completed 39 semester hours toward an engineering degree, and earned first place in the medium weight class at the American National Jiu Jitsu No-Gi championships. In addition, he volunteered more than 50 hours at the Joint Base Balad Hospital, transporting injured soldiers to and from medical evacuation helicopters. Company Grade Officer of the Year Capt. David Sawyer, 419th Operations Group As the leader of the operations group's pilot intelligence program, Sawyer trained and tested more than 20 pilots on emerging threats, and maintained more than 80 security clearances. His efforts resulted in a phenomenal 100 percent training completion rate, and all of the OG security clearances being deemed accurate, complete and within scope. He also spearheaded the wing's preparation for the Air Component Command's Communication Security Inspection, fully accounting for 20 critical inspection items with zero findings found. Also in 2011, Sawyer was awarded a master's degree in public policy, maintaining a stellar 3.7 grade point average. In addition, he dedicated more than 120 hours in mentoring and preparing low-income high school students for college education. Civilian of the Year Ms. Terri Posthuma, 419th Operations Support Group As an operations support assistant, Posthuma flawlessly managed more than 100 flight evaluation folders for the 419th and 388th Fighter Wings. Her tireless efforts and attention to detail resulted in zero discrepancies found during the 12th Air Force Staff Evaluation Visit. She also provided critical assistance to the complete rewrite of the 388th FW and 419th FW in-flight guide, and inspected and distributed more than 100 sets of flight publications. Her efforts resulted in all updates being posted to flight publications and ensured in-flight safety for all assigned flying personnel. Also in 2011, Posthuma enhanced her team-building skills by voluntarily completing the Partnership Principles Supervisors and Management Course. In addition, she was an active participant in numerous base and community-level charitable programs. Other notable awards presented throughout the evening include the following: Diamond Excellence Award Tech. Sgt. Dayton Smith, 419th Force Support Squadron Chief's Award Master Sgt. Jason Reininger, 419th Medical Squadron Honor Guard Member of the Year Tech. Sgt. Kevin Roper, 419th Medical Squadron Wing Commander's Servant Leadership Award Tech. Sgt. Rachel Ivory, 419th Medical Squadron Employer of the Year Mr. Brett Burton, Layton Golden Corral