News

JBLM Reserve unit recognizes Reservists for global excellence

  • Published
  • By Jake Chappelle
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  The 446th Airlift Wing hosted its annual awards banquet April 11 at the Landmark Convention Center in Tacoma, to honor its Air Force Reservists, civilian workers, families, and employers who support them every day.

In addition to 446th AW leadership, the near 500 attendees included special guests:

· Mary Moss, Lakewood councilwoman and Air Force Association state president,
· Col. David Kumashiro, 62nd Airlift Wing commander,
· Chief Master Sgt. Gordon Drake, 62nd AW command chief,
· George Cargill, Pierce Military Business Alliance president,
· Karen Getchell, Patriots Landing,
· Jeffrey Battle, USAA,
· Lt. Col. (ret.) Bill Striegel, AFA, and
· Dr. Wayne Fuchs, AFA.

Because of the 446th tradition of having a worldwide impact in combat operations and aeromedical evacuation, "Global Excellence" was this year's theme.

Awardees who demonstrated standout excellence for 2014 were recognized by the wing with quarterly, annual, and unit-level honors. Other award recipients were acknowledged at the Air Force Reserve Command and Air Mobility Command ranks.

Examples included awards for the, AMC International Affairs Excellence, Outstanding Mobility Air Force Airlift Tactician of the Year, AMC Outstanding Reserve Associate Maintenance (technician and superintendent), and AFRC Media Contest for Best Series.

Additionally, awards were presented to those who aren't assigned to, but who support the 446th AW - the spouse and the employer of the year.

The 2014 Spouse of the Year, Cynthia Gosling, was nominated by her husband, Senior Master Sgt. Mark Gosling, 36th Aerial Port Squadron, for establishing a regional spouse support structure, serving as a link between leadership and geographically separated families, and earning a Master's degree in counseling while Mark was deployed.

Tom Ritzert, director of Quality for the Boeing Company, accepted the Employer of the Year Award on behalf of the organization for its continuous support and appreciation of its numerous Citizen Airmen employees.

The audience was introduced to the stories of Airmen who've made many contributions to the Air Force and are generally regarded by most as heroes.

The evening closed with inspiring words of wisdom from wing leadership, and the strength and support from the families and employers.