ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Against the backdrop of a slideshow with inspiring images from around the National Capital Region and a musical show featuring the U.S. Air Force Band's "Max Impact" performing a crowd-favorite "Locked and Loaded," the winners of the Air Force District of Washington's annual awards were in the spotlight at a banquet held in the Bolling Club April 18.
The banquet theme was "Honoring Superior Airmen ... Wingmen, Leaders, Warriors," and highlighted accomplishments that support the AFDW mission: Superior Service ... Always, Military Support to Civil Authorities ... When Asked, and Effective Contingency Response ... When Required.
Winners, by category, were: Airman of the Year, Senior Airman Gregory Benhase, 844th Communications Group; NCO of the Year, Tech. Sgt. Michael Naquin, 11th Wing; Senior NCO of the Year, Master Sgt. John Oblinger, 316th Wing; Company Grade Officer of the Year, Capt. Eric DeTurk, 316th Wing; Civilian of the Year, Category I, Tearline Davis, 11th Wing; Civilian of the Year, Category II, Toni Chism, 11th Wing; Civilian of the Year, Category III, George Jones, 11th Wing; First Sergeant of the Year, Master Sgt. Mario Cefalo, 79th Medical Wing; Military Volunteer of the Year, Master Sgt. Kevin Davis, 844th Communications Group; and Civilian Volunteer of the Year, Cara Johnson, 11th Wing.
Additionally, AFDW Community Partners of the Year were Rosalind E. Bishop, branch manager, Andrews Federal Credit Union, and Pat Green, Special Program Coordinator, Southern Management Cooperation.
"Our recognition program is about more than a single night, it is the culmination of a year-long process to develop and nurture tomorrow's leaders," said Maj. Gen. Frank Gorenc, AFDW commander, speaking at the banquet. "Congratulations to all of our nominees, award winners, and families. Your accomplishments directly contributed to the success of our AFDW mission. A night like this humbles me and makes me proud to be your commander."
The AFDW command chief master sergeant commended those who organized the event.
"This awards banquet is the completion of seven months of planning and hard work by a lot of great Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Lewis Monroe. "Led by Senior Master Sgt. Tom Cooper, Master Sgt. Jeb Eaton and Tech. Sgt. Chandra Davis, they provided a night of recognition worthy of those who devote all of their efforts to providing superior service ... always!"