Senior enlisted devote time to annual awards candidates Published Feb. 11, 2009 By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- This year marks Edwards' return to conducting board interviews for all annual awards candidates. The transition back to having the candidates face a board was reinstated Aug. 4, 2008, after a new basewide awards and recognition instruction was implemented. "Holding a board offers a good opportunity for senior leadership to meet and understand each candidate," said Chief Master Sgt. David Gilmore, 95th Medical Group superintendent. "We get a chance to see each candidate and hear what they think about some of the Air Force's current events." Prior to the transition, awards packages would be evaluated as opposed to the actual candidate. "Holding a board makes selecting the winner a lot fairer," said Chief Master Sgt. Eric Jaren, 95th Air Base Wing command chief. "It allows us to actually see every candidate and get a better representation of the Airmen they really are." The board asks a series of questions to each candidate to better understand the Airman and their views on Air Force current events, their community involvement and what the Airman's Creed means to them. "We're looking for the whole person concept," said Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Hollis, 95th Mission Support Group superintendent. "Military bearing, dress and appearance, and we ask them seven questions to get to know them and their opinions better." After all the interviews, Chief Jaren said he was pleased with all the candidates and the qualities that they displayed. "All nominees were truly winners," said Chief Jaren. "They each did an incredible job and were extremely professional and represented their organization well. They should all be proud of what they accomplished."