AFMC prepares to honor the top enlisted of 2008 Published March 30, 2009 By Bryan Carnes Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- In the midst of a slowing economy, overseas contingency operations and fast-paced tempo of the military, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) will take time to recognize its top enlisted Airmen in the command's 2009 Annual Enlisted Awards Banquet. Every year since the formation of AFMC in 1992, the command's senior military leaders have made it a priority to formally recognize their best enlisted members. This year's banquet will be April 9 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, with April 3 as the last day to reserve tickets. "Recognition is a big deal, especially with all the events going on in the world today. It is important to take a step back and appreciate the heroic efforts of these Airmen as both an Air Force and as a nation" said Chief Master Sgt. William C. Gurney, the command chief master sergeant for AFMC . There are approximately 12,500 enlisted members within AFMC, which includes personnel from the command's headquarters, 9 centers and other special units. Of this group, 44 individuals have been nominated to compete in four categories: Airman, noncommissioned officer, senior NCO and first sergeant. The winners in each category will go on and compete in the United States Air Force Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year and First Sergeant of the Year competitions later this year. The theme for this year's banquet is "Joint Warfighting Airmen; Ready, Willing and Able." Chief Gurney said this is an appropriate theme because it conveys Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz's message that the USAF is "all-in," referring to the Air Force's commitment and joint involvement in overseas operations. Chief Gurney has been orchestrating this event on behalf of AFMC Commander General Donald J. Hoffman. Chief Gurney's responsibilities range from serving as the president of the selection boards to overseeing the finalized arrangements of the banquet. It's a job he says he is happy to do, but one that would be impossible alone. "I give all of the credit to my phenomenal staff and the many others behind the scenes who really do all the work in order to make this event display the dignity and respect for which these finalists deserve," Chief Gurney said. To help recognize the accomplishment of the Airmen, you must RSVP no later than April 3. Reservations for the banquet can be made by calling (937) 257-2389 or DSN 787-2389. Cost per person is $27.00 for E-6/GS-5 and below and $30.00 for all others. Military uniform is Mess Dress or Semi-formal and Civilian attire is Black Tie or Business Suit for men and 'After Five' or Cocktail dress for women. The 2009 Air Force Materiel Command Annual Enlisted Awards Banquet will begin at 6:00pm at the National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton, Ohio.