Air Force Materiel Command announces top Airman, Senior NCO, NCO, first sergeant

  • Published
  • By John Scaggs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Air Force Materiel Command officials announced their top enlisted members Thursday during a ceremony at Eglin AFB, Fla. 

They were chosen from among 40 nominees recommended by leaders in their chain of command and respective centers as the best Airmen. 

After reviewing nomination packages and conducting a final selection board, AFMC officials selected the best in four enlisted categories. The 2007 AFMC Outstanding Airmen of the Year are: 

Senior noncommissioned officer -- Master Sgt. Jared P. Skinner, Headquarters AFMC Installations and Mission Support Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB. 

Noncommissioned officer -- Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Hefti, 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah. 

Airman -- Staff Sgt. Amber R. Lonas, 75th CES, Hill AFB. 

First sergeant -- Master Sgt. Brent M. LaFreniere, 654th Combat Logistics Support Squadron, Tinker AFB, Okla. 

Gen. Bruce Carlson, AFMC commander, along with co-workers, friends and family attended the ceremony honoring AFMC's top enlisted Airmen. 

"It's my privilege to be here and pay tribute to this command's enlisted Airmen," General Carlson said. "It's important to recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices you make every day. 

"I know that many of you have been deployed or will deploy soon, while others work each day to support those who are," the general continued. "The warfighter counts on our 'One Materiel Command' to provide the capabilities required to win this war and be prepared to fly, fight and win the next one. Thank you for your commitment to our Armed Forces and our great nation." 

The command chief master sergeant for AFMC led a behind-the-scenes group in charge of the event, ranging from reviewing nomination packages to handling logistics for the ceremony. 

"This was the first time the AFMC Outstanding Airmen of the Year ceremony was not held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base," said Chief Master Sgt. Jonathan E. Hake.   "A superb team from across the command, especially at Eglin, did an outstanding job of making this extra special for our Airmen and guests." 

"This ceremony provided an opportunity to spotlight those who, through their exceptional dedication and hard work, made a difference for AFMC and the Air Force," said Chief Hake.  "I am honored to serve on the same team." 

Those selected will now represent AFMC in the Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year and First Sergeant of the Year competitions. Officials expect results to be announced later this summer.