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AFMC announces top Airmen

  • Published
  • By John Scaggs
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Air Force Materiel Command officials announced their top enlisted members April 2 during a ceremony at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

They were chosen from among 40 nominees recommended by leaders in their chain of command and respective centers as the best Airmen.

After reviewing nomination packages and conducting a final selection board, AFMC officials selected the best in four enlisted categories. The 2008 AFMC Outstanding Airmen of the Year are:

Senior noncommissioned officer - Master Sgt. David R. Larriva, 95th Air Base Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal Division, Edwards AFB, Calif.

NCO - Tech. Sgt. Tammy K. Shaw, 88th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron, Wright-Patterson AFB.

Airman - Senior Airman Jeremy J. Dixon, 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah.

First sergeant - Senior Master Sgt. Scott L. Leach, 75th Security Forces Squadron, Hill AFB.

Gen. Bruce Carlson, AFMC commander, along with co-workers, friends and family attended the ceremony honoring the command's top enlisted Airmen.

"It was 41 years ago this month that Chief Master Sgt. Paul Airey became the first Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force," General Carlson said during his remarks to the audience. "It marked the beginning of better opportunities - like education - for the enlisted corps.

"Today's enlisted corps exhibits more professionalism than when I first joined the Air Force in 1971, and is more technically proficient" the general continued. "I'm fortunate to be part of a ceremony that honors a cross section of Air Force Materiel Command's outstanding enlisted members."

Chief Master Sgt. William C. Gurney, command chief for AFMC, oversaw a behind-the-scenes committee charged with putting the event together. Responsibilities ranged from reviewing nomination packages to handling logistics for the ceremony.

"An outstanding team from across the command worked very hard to make this a memorable occasion for our Airmen and guests," Chief Gurney said.

"The importance of the Outstanding Airmen of the Year program is evident by the support and attendance of General Carlson, as well as AFMC's center and wing commanders," Chief Gurney continued. "The event is the one time each year we bring together our top enlisted performers. It provides us with an opportunity to thank them and their families for their sacrifices and for the difference they make in AFMC and the Air Force."

Those selected will now represent AFMC in the Air Force Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year and First Sergeant of the Year competitions. Officials expect results to be announced later this summer.