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'Mighty Eighth' celebrates Outstanding Airmen of the Year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
  • Eighth Air Force Public Affairs
BOSSIER CITY, La. --  The 28 finalists who represent the best of the best in the 'Mighty Eighth' will be recognize during the Eighth Air Force's Outstanding Airmen of the Year banquet held at the Eldorado Resort and Casino in Shreveport, La., March 3 at 6 p.m.

During the banquet, one Airman from each of seven categories - Airman, NCO, Senior NCO, Company Grade Officer, First Sergeant, Civilian Category I and Civilian Category II - will be chosen to represent Eighth Air Force during the Air Force Global Strike Command 12 Outstanding Airmen Competition.

Whittling down this year's list of nominees from the Annual Award winners at each wing under Eighth Air Force was extremely challenging, according to Chief Master Sgt. Brian Hornback, Eighth Air Force command chief.

"The caliber of this year's Airmen was outstanding," said the chief. "I'm extremely proud of each and every one of this year's finalists. The number of amazing Airmen we have in Mighty Eighth is overwhelming. I am continually amazed and humbled to be surrounded with dedicated and professional Airmen everyday and I thank each and every one of them for their service and sacrifices."

The OAY banquet recognizes the nominees for their superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.

"General (Floyd) Carpenter (Eighth Air Force commander) and I would like to extend our gratitude to all of you for the work that you do to make Eighth Air Force's mission possible," said Chief Hornback. "I would like to, again, congratulate the nominees and wish them luck as they move on to the next level."

Tickets to the banquet are $38 and are available at the Eighth Air Force's Outstanding Airmen of the Year Web site until Feb. 24.