442d Fighter Wing recognizes annual award winners

  • Published
  • By Capt. Denise Haeussler
  • 442FW Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. --  The 442d Annual Enlisted Recognition Ceremony was held this past Unit Training Assembly weekend at the Mission's End club at Whiteman Air Force Base. Leaders from across the wing gathered in support of their outstanding Airmen. They were joined by key members of the surrounding community, including the mayors of Sedalia and Higginsville, and the president of the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce.

After the national anthem, sung by Capt. Leigh Hardwick, and the invocation by Chaplain Ben Hayden, announcer Senior Master Sgt. Leo Brown introduced the guest speaker, retired Chief Master Sgt. Jayne Schlenker, who spoke to the nominees about leadership and the three master sergeants who most influenced her career.

Then it was time to hand out awards.

Airman of the Year was awarded to Senior Airman Anthony Cirulli of the 442d Force Support Squadron. Cirulli showed selflessness and dedication during inclement weather, single-handedly running his shop when others were unable to safely report due to heavy snowfall. Unfortunately, Cirulli was unable to attend, but the award was accepted on his behalf by his commander, Lt. Col. Joseph Walter.

In the NCO category, the prize went to recently-promoted Master Sgt. Sarah Bower, of the 442d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, for her outstanding performance while deployed to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Bower served as lead technician for avionics and flightline expeditor. Bower also took home the plaque for NCO of the fourth quarter 2014.

The title of Senior NCO of the Year was earned by Master Sgt. Breonna Parker of the 442d Force Support Squadron, Operating Location Alpha. Parker showed exceptional leadership and compassion when responding to the tragic loss of a member, as well as the loss of a dependent on a separate occasion.

Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Youkey, of the 442d Force Support Squadron, won First Sergeant of the Year. Among other accomplishments, Youkey served as HQ AFRC's First Sergeant, directly intervened to prevent a member from self-harm, and crossed branch lines to battle harassment of behalf of his Airmen.

Company Grade Officer of the Year was given to Captain Jeremy Vaughan of the 442d Civil Engineering Squadron. Vaughan was recognized for his leadership during the AFIS self-inspection and directing the Unit Command Center while serving as Civil Engineering Ops Flight Commander.

After the normal awards were handed out, a final, special award was presented to Mrs. Kathy Decker. Mrs. Decker was named the wing's Key Spouse of the Year in recognition for all of her efforts during last year's deployment.