446th Maintenance officers recognized for outstanding leadership Published Sept. 25, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Jake Chappelle 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Earning a prestigious service award, such as the Lance P. Sijan Award for outstanding leadership, is hard to come by. It's an even greater feat that two people from the same wing, much less the same group, would earn it in different categories. However, two officers from the 446th Maintenance Group here did exactly that in August at the Air Force Reserve Command level. Maj. Maureen Carroll, 446th Maintenance Squadron commander here won the award in the Senior Officer Category and Capt. Frank Bonnin, 446th Maintenance Operations Flight officer here won the award at the Junior Officer level. They will eventually compete for it at the Air Force level. "Major Carroll's and Captain Bonnin's recognition as the AFRC Sijan Award winners reflects the outstanding teamwork and leadership across the maintenance group," said Col. Bill Anholt, 446th Maintenance Group commander. The award came to both officers' amazement, according to Major Carroll and Captain Bonnin. "I was surprised and excited," said Major Carroll. "It's hard to believe both of us won at the AFRC level." Captain Bonnin was curious to why Lt. Gen. Charles Stenner, AFRC commander, would send him a letter. "When our orderly room specialist handed an 'official business' envelope with a return address, 'HQ AFRC/CC,' I said, 'General Stenner doesn't write to me very often. I wonder what this is about.'" Captain Bonnin goes into the irony of him and his mentor winning the award. "I've worked with Major Carroll for several years," said Captain Bonnin. "She was my immediate supervisor for a year in the aircraft maintenance squadron. Her advice and exemplary standards have helped shape the direction of my military career, and I owe her many thanks." Chief Master Sgt. Danny Bass, 446th Maintenance Squadron superintendent, observed the efforts of the two officers. "I am extremely proud of these two," said Chief Bass. "Both have worked hard in various capacities within the Reserve and active-duty force this past year and excelled. As a senior NCO, I have the luxury of using their example of hard work as a model for the rest of the squadron." Both officers show similarities in their leadership styles. "I do my best to lead by example," said Major Carroll. "I have high expectations and very talented Airmen. I believe in teamwork. I listen to others' ideas. I gather their input before making decisions, and I try to recognize their talents and give them opportunities to excel. We all bring something to the table." Captain Bonnin explains what he brings to the table. "It is generally said that a leader should lead from the front, and figuratively speaking, I usually need to move pretty fast to stay ahead of my troops," said Captain Bonnin. "They know their jobs and they know where we are going. It's my job to remove any obstacles my Airmen might encounter that would hinder their ability to do their job. With an environment conducive to performance, I expect excellence. I'm proud to say that I see it every day in every member of my unit." According to Major Carroll, more involvement from Reservists equals more recognition. "I think it is the everyday involvement of Reservists that has a greater effect on how they are perceived," said Major Carroll who has been a Reservist since 1983. "I tell people all the time I am amazed by the talent we have in our Reservists. Their civilian occupations and backgrounds are so varied, they really bring much more to the table." Major Carroll and Captain Bonnin agree that the 446th MXG ranks among the best in the Air Force. "I definitely have an exceptional team," said Major Carroll. "No doubt, it's top in the Air Force." Captain Bonnin concurs with his former supervisor. "As far as I'm concerned, this is the best unit in the Air Force and I'm lucky to be assigned here," said Captain Bonnin. Captain Bonnin shows his appreciation of the maintainers at McChord AFB. "This year, the 446th MXG is honored to have two of its professionals recognized for their leadership," said Captain Bonnin. "I am honored to be chosen as one of them. However, the true excellence recognized in this award is the non-stop work of the Reserve and active duty maintainers here." Major Carroll also acknowledges the hard work of the maintainers she works with. "When I stand up to accept an award for my squadron, it is an honor to represent my personnel," said Major Carroll. "This is similar, just on a larger scale. I would like to tell my Airmen, 'thank you, you're awesome!'" Overall, the maintenance groups of Team McChord set and keep high standards that allow maintainers to win major awards, according to Captain Bonnin. The results are what stand out. "Under the direction of senior leadership, Team McChord's maintenance team consistently sets high standards, and the hard work of the professionals exceeds the standards," said Captain Bonnin. As former 446th MXG commander, Col Huguley, used to put it, "our citizen warriors are a group of proud, prepared, performing professionals. We prove it every day."