Two Airmen receive AFSA awards

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Two Edwards Airmen recently received Air Force Sergeants Association Division 13 awards, with one winning at the state level competition.

Air Force Sergeants Association Division 13 encompasses 12 chapters within Southern California.

Tech. Sgt. Tyron Taylor, 95th Aerospace Medical Squadron public health noncommissioned officer in charge, received the AFSA Junior Noncommissioned Officer Award. Senior Airman Melissa Wendt, 412th Maintenance Squadron precision measurement equipment laboratory technician, received the AFSA Airman of the Year Award and Volunteer of the Year Award. 

The Air Force Sergeants Association is an international organization intended to speak on behalf of military personnel to Congress. The association presents Airmen with these awards for outstanding dedication and exceeding Air Force standards.

In 2007, Sergeant Taylor scheduled immunizations for more than 1,000 deploying base personnel, and trained more than 100 servicemembers in occupational health and safety awareness.

"I do my best to do all tasks and verify the work of all Airmen assigned to me," Sergeant Taylor said. "Receiving awards like this not only shows my dedication and hard work, but the hard work of everyone around me."

Sergeant Taylor chaperoned more than 200 children for a Middle-Tier Association sponsored skating party and mentored 18 children from Desert High School in the Scorp Pal program.

As part of his community involvement, Sergeant Taylor also helped feed more than 150 patrons at a local Feed the Hungry program.

"Volunteering is a good experience for everyone involved," Sergeant Taylor said. "It's a good opportunity to reach out to those in need."

Airman Wendt received her AFSA awards for her work developing and instructing an Air Force priority course that briefed more than 50 Airman.

With the success she received, Airman Wendt said she owes her accomplishments to her supervisor's dedication and leadership.

"My supervisor has supported and assisted me with all aspects of my progression," Airman Wendt said. "The unconditional support I receive is what has brought me this far." 

Airman Wendt was nominated for Volunteer of the Year because of her involvement in the local community. She led a base chapel youth program, called approved workman are not ashamed, that included 140 children. She also helped raise about $5,000 for the local AFSA chapter and about $2,000 for needy children overseas.

"Airman Wendt's recent accomplishments are a hallmark of who she is," said Tye Lockard, 412th MXS director. "I know she will do great things in her future because she truly displays the Air Force core values." 

Airman Wendt will compete at the Professional Airman's Conference in San Antonio.