Tough-as-nails SFS member wins Airman of the Year Published Feb. 3, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Tough, intelligent and determined are all traits one could expect from a model security forces Airman, so it should come as no surprise these words were used to describe the 434th Air Refueling Wing's Airman of the Year for 2010. Senior Airman Christena Alotaibi, a 434th Security Forces fire team member, displayed all of these characteristics and more, which earned her the annual award for her accomplishments while at Grissom, deployed and in her local community. "She's smart, hard-working, dedicated, level-headed, and is a model Airman," said Senior Master Sgt. Nelson Hernadez, 434th SFS squad leader and Airman Alotaibi's supervisor while deployed. "During the past (operational readiness inspection), she was assigned to a defensive fighting position; she sat there for 16 hours in the cold and didn't complain once," elaborated Sergeant Hernandez. "That definitely showed her character." According to her nomination packet, Airman Alotaibi, who served as a 434th SFS unit deployment manager, processed over 300 personnel and other resources to 23 contingency and exercise locations. And, though the exercises and training she received at Grissom were part of her nomination package, it's her real-world application of that training that led to some of her most significant accomplishments while deployed. While deployed to Afghanistan, Airman Alotaibi helped develop a comprehensive system of military police documentation for the International Security Assistance Force records section as well as an innovative system of countermeasures for airfield force protection. "Her creative skill along with her attention to detail in creating the yearly report set the standard," said Sergeant Hernandez. "This report is now being used by the NATO command section." On top of her development of new systems, Airman Alotaibi was part of a joint raid with the Canadian Air Force, which netted 50 grams of methamphetamines and more than 200 other illegal items. "We train for years to be prepared for that 30 seconds in our life that decides someone's fate," she explained. "As I have seen here, our training has saved lives." And, as amazing as her accomplishments are, the award doesn't go to just someone who is good at their job. It's an award to focuses in on other aspects including significant self-improvement and community involvement, both of which Airman Alotaibi displayed. According to her nomination packet, she received a bachelor's degree in political science with minors in international studies and Spanish language. But, it wasn't just her education that improved in 2010. Airman Alotaibi improved her physical training score from an 84 to a 91.7 percent. "My deployment was a motivation for me to improve my PT scores; I wanted to be in the best physical condition before coming here so that I could easily handle the physical demands of the deployment," she explained. "I do feel better physically and mentally because I can see the results of my determination; I like to start the day with one small victory." On top of all that, Airman Alotaibi found time to volunteer in her communities, both at home and abroad, with organizations such as the Cub Scouts, 40 & 8, local elementary schools and an Afghan school to name a few. She said the favorite part of her deployment was the Afghan school, which teaches Afghan boys from ages 6 to 16. Each week volunteers came to interact with the boys through projects and some sort of game at the end, which usually ended up being a soccer match. "These boys are sons of leaders of the community and they will be the next leaders of Afghanistan," Airman Alotaibi explained. "I love the opportunity to play with them, but I also recognize that they're taking as much away from the experience as we are. "It's a really moving experience to interact with them," she added. "They're so smart and so hungry for knowledge; when I see them it gives me hope." And, despite all her numerous achievements and accomplishments, Airman Alotaibi remains humbled. "When I found out (about receiving the award), I was excited and honored," she said. "We focus so much on our jobs, training and preparing, everyone has the "get'er done" mentality...so, it really means a lot to be recognized." Though she remains humble, Airman Alotaibi's supervisor was more than happy to boast in her accomplishments. "I'm very proud of (Airman) Alotaibi," said Sergeant Hernandez. "If there was anyone that deserves this award, she's the one; I wish I had ten more like her on my squad." The 434th Air Refueling Wing is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Members of he 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter. (Editor's note: This is the first in a four-part series featuring the 434th ARW's annual award winners.)
