News

McChord Reservist is Airman of the Year

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Patrick Cabellon and Ms. Sandra Pishner
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Standing before a panel of six command chiefs, the Airman is asked to perform proper facing movements and is inspected with magnifying glass-like scrutiny. But Senior Airman Channel Bolton-Scholl doesn't break a sweat. 

Airman Bolton-Scholl's nerves of steel helped her nail down the title of Air Force Reserve Command Outstanding Airman of the Year. A crew chief with the 446th Maintenance Squadron, Airman Bolton-Scholl can typically be found performing home station check inspections on the C-17A Globemaster III aircraft. 

The Outstanding Airman of the Year award is bestowed upon Airmen who show exemplary work ethic, both on the job in the Reserve, as well as in their civilian work. They also are well-embedded in their communities. 

Airman Bolton-Scholl embodies all the traits AFRC is looking for in their Airman of the Year, according to her supervisor, Master Sgt. Keith Chase, 446th MXS aero repair section chief. 

"She excels at her job and the task at hand," said Sergeant Chase. "She is a very hard worker. I never have to tell her to get anything done after she is shown the job tasks for the day." She also, according to her supervisor, helps train other traditional Reservists. 

Airman Bolton-Scholl traveled to Atlanta, Ga., April 1 for the Airman of the Year interview along with three Airmen from other wings. 

"When I was standing in front of the panel, I was so nervous," said Airman Bolton-Scholl as she laughed. "When I was done being interviewed, I told them how nervous I was. They told me that they didn't even notice." 

The same cannot be said for her competitors, she said. 

"One Airmen who was interviewed after me was sweating bullets," she said with a smile. "They had to stop the interview for a bit to let him calm down and gave him a towel to wipe off his sweat." 

The command selected four Reservists to represent it in the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen and First Sergeant of the Year competitions. Airman Bolton-Scholl will now compete against Airmen from other major commands and agencies.