The 179th Airlift Wing presented awards to airmen Saturday night at their annual Wing Awards Banquet. The event represented a dedication to the Wing’s core values: Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all they do. The event recognized a number of award recipients including the announcement of Senior Airman Stephanie Carroll as the 2013 Airman of the Year.
Distinguished guests included Maj. Gen. Mark Bartman, Ohio Rep. Bob Gibbs, Christie Hoyt representing Sen. Rob Portman’s office, and, AMVETS Post 26 Provost Marshal Jerry Cline, Brig. Gen. (Ret) Rich Green; Shelia Larson, wife of the late Brig. Gen. Fred Larson; and Pam Ashcraft, wife of Col. (Ret) Myron Ashcraft; and Lexington Mayor Gene Parkison.
Cline presented the Outstanding Airman of the Year award to Carroll and Lt. Col. Amy Whitehead recognized Carroll’s professionalism, expertise, and said she was a significant contributor. Carroll is a broadcast journalist assigned to the 179th Public Affairs Office. During the wing’s annual training, she produced four videos and nearly 100 photos in addition to covering many other events. Carroll also volunteers at soup kitchens and food banks in Akron.
Other nominees for the Outstanding Airman award included Senior Airman Dante Cheatham of the Maintenance Group, Senior Airman Matthew Dickison of the Mission Support Group, Senior Airman David Kitchen of Aerial Port, and Senior Airman Jacob Roelle.
The awards include designating the Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year, Tech. Sgt. Michael Swick. Swick is a Services Support Apprentice and coordinates base honor guard participation for a number of groups. Swick serves as a liaison to the Richland County Joint Veterans Council.
Honor Guard Member of the Year, Senior Airman Marcus Adams, is a services journeyman. Through his honor guard service he was described as “an unwavering ceremonial guardsman and leader.” He is currently deployed to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan and executed transfers for Fallen Warriors and trained two transfer teams.
Company Grade Officer of the Year was awarded to Aircraft Maintenance officer 1st Lt. Neil Domonkos. Domonkos led his squadron as the interim commander during a recent base inspection and organizes morale activities. He has also developed training plans.
The award for First Sergeant of the Year was given to Master Sgt. James Sullivan III. He is assigned to the 179th Maintenance Group. Sergeant Sullivan cross-trained into the Supply career field in 1997 and joined the Air National Guard with the 179th Airlift Wing.
As a member with the Ohio Air National Guard, Sergeant Sullivan has deployed in support of several operations, which included serve in Turkey, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Honduras, and Antarctica.
Sergeant Sullivan’s civilian profession is as an Elementary Principal with Groveport Madison Schools in ColumbusOH. He is also a volunteer and supports awareness and fundraising efforts with Autism Speaks. He also helps at the Groveport Center for Human needs and the Groveport Food Pantry.
Senior Non Commissioned Officer of the Year, Master Sgt. Eric Stephens, is assigned to the Mission Support Group, Security Forces. In addition to serving as Security Forces’ training manager, Stephens led a multi-service operation in locating contraband.
The Non Commissioned Officer of the Year, sponsored by VFW Post 3494, was awarded to Tech. Sgt. Jenna Miller, a Contracting Specialist. While deployed Miller administered the largest Afghanistan/Regional Contingency Contracting Command contract and a critical Civil Engineering road project.
The Elizabeth A. Dubina Award was presented to Master Sgt. Efrem Swoope and winning the Public Affairs award was Senior Airman Stephanie Carroll.
Chief Master Sgt. Tom Gremling explained that the Minuteman Award is awarded to those “who quietly works being the scenes to get the job done, those who ask, ‘How can I help,’ and are the first to volunteer. The award was presented to Americorp Vista employee and Family Programs volunteer, Sherry Vipperman.
“Currently she does all she can do,” stated Gremling.
McCue recognized Senior Airman David Kitchen, 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron who saved a man at a passenger terminal at Bragram Airfield, Afghanistan this summer. Kitchen is also an emergency medical technician and firefighter in Dayton.
“I want this group to know what great citizen soldiers we have in this unit,” stated McCue.
Also earning special recognition was Senior Airman Jacob Roelle who was presented with his second Air Force Eagle.
McCue went on to praise the 179th Wing recruiters. “We will probably exceed 200 members this year. They do it every day and we’re bring them [recruits] in at a great rate.”
The 179th recruiters include MSgt. Mike Schaefer, Msgt. Efrem Schaeter, Tsgt. Lori Mittelstadt, and Ssgt. Cesali Adams.
“I want this group to know what great citizen soldiers we have in this unit,” stated 179th Airlift Wing Commander Gary McCue.
