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Year of the Family: HQ 8 AF recognizes 2016 Annual Awards winners

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erin Trower
  • 8th Air Force Public Affairs

Senior leadership and “Mighty Eighth” Airmen, along with their family members, gathered at the Barksdale Air Force Base Club today to recognize the Headquarters Eighth Air Force 2016 Annual Award winners for their accomplishments throughout the year.

 

Earlier this year, Air Force Global Strike Command announced that 2017 was dubbed “Year of the Family,” which focuses on efforts that directly impact the quality of life for Airmen and their family members.

 

“Our families in the Mighty Eighth are part of our team,” said Chief Master Sgt. Alan Boling, Eighth Air Force command chief. “Families are like the flight line is to our bombers. That's where we are cared for, where we become strong and ready to go off to do our duty; and when we return, they welcome us home with great care, they heal us, and get us ready to serve another day.”

 

During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, Eighth Air Force commander, spoke on the importance of recognizing professionalism and dedication from both Airmen and their family members.

 

“Every day, east and west, Airmen of the Mighty Eighth are doing our nation’s business, and they wouldn’t do that as well as they are doing it without you, and without your support, passion and professionalism,” Bussiere stated. 

 

Fueled by innovation, excellence and professionalism, seven Mighty Eighth individuals, enlisted, officer and civilian, were recognized as the Headquarters Eighth Air Force’s 2016 Annual Award winners:

 

Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Jessica Horn, 608th Air Operations Squadron

 

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Aubree Peterman, Det. 4

 

Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Master Sgt. Michael Taylor, 608th Strategic Operations Squadron

 

Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Morgan Borders, 608th Air Operations Center

 

Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Tiffany Johnson, Eighth Air Force Judge Advocate

 

Category One Civilian of the Year: Felicia Bartee, Eighth Air Force command section

 

Category Two Civilian of the Year: Christopher Morales, 608th Air Operations Center

 

Bussiere closed the ceremony by emphasizing his expectations of the award winners.

 

“There’s two expectations of how you got here, and what I expect in the future,” he said.  “One, make more like you. Mentor, develop and grow airmen around you so they emulate your professionalism that earned you this award. Secondly, be that supervisor that takes the time and energy to make those award packages competitive.”