GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Each year Grissom gathers to honor Airmen who exemplify excellence and commitment to duty.
The 434th Air Refueling Wing annual award winners for 2016 were announced during a ceremony and banquet held in Kokomo, Indiana, April 1.
The 434th ARW Annual Award winners for 2016 were:
Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Aron Miller, 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron
Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year: Staff Sergeant Deborah Ryan, 434th Air Refueling Wing
Senior NCO of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. James Billing, 434th Maintenance Squadron
Company Grade Officer of the Year: Captain Johnathon McCashland, 434th ARW
Field Grade Officer of the Year: Major Daniel Keeney, 434th Operations Support Squadron
Civilian Non-Supervisor of the Year: Jill Marconi-Pyclik, 434th Force Support Squadron
Civilian Supervisor of the Year: Martin Foye, 434th ARW
First Sgt. of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Wendi Conwell, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron
Recruiter of the Year: Master Sgt. Robert Arnold, 434th ARW
The guest speaker for the evening was Brig. Gen. John Hickok, deputy director of logistics, engineering and force protection at Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.
“What a pleasure it was to have General Hickok share this evening with us,” said Col. Larry Shaw, 434th ARW commander. “I was so happy for him to meet the outstanding members of the Grissom community.”
During his speech, Hickok gave out his own awards, in the form of his personal coin, to Airmen whom he wanted to recognize for not just outstanding performance, but for contributing to the community surrounding Grissom.
“What a huge milestone in these folks’ careers,” Shaw said. “It is so important for us to gather together as a community and recognize the absolute outstanding achievements these people have made. I could not be more proud as a commander, and I hope that you share that sentiment as well.”
The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.
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