Edwards Airmen receive AFSA awards

  • Published
  • By Airman Stacy Garcia
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Three Edwards Airmen were awarded the First Term Airmen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year Award and the Member of the Year Award for 2005 by the Air Force Sergeant's Association's Division 13 recently.

AFSA presented these Airmen with these awards for their outstanding dedication to go above and beyond the Air Force standards. AFSA is an international organization dedicated to speaking on behalf of military personnel to Congress. Division 13 includes more than 8,000 Airmen stationed in California.

Airmen of the Year Award recipient, Senior Airman Emily Sirois, 95th Aeromedical Squadron public health technician, said she was pleasantly surprised by the recognition.

"It is an honor to be the 2006 First Term Airman of the Year for Edwards," said Sirois. "I had the privilege of having lunch with Chief Master Sgt. Rodney McKinley, chief master sergeant of the Air Force. I was also able to speak with several former chief master sergeants of the Air Force, and they wanted to know what I expected out of today's Air Force."

Some of Sirois achievements for the award included nominations for Airman of the 2nd Quarter for 2005 and as the 95th Medical Group's Airmen of the Year for 2005. Airman Sirois volunteers in various base and community events such as the Blue Eagles Honor Guard and Desert High School track meets.

Like any other yearly award, Airman Sirois said, it shows those that individuals have not just done well in one quarter but have been outstanding all year long. This award is about continuing to strive, volunteering for an organization, and getting their voices heard.

"Each Airman who went up for the chapter FTA board had the potential to win," Airman Sirois said. "It was very competitive, and it shows that the Airman on this base surpass what is expected out of them as first term airman. For the past couple of years, chapter 1328 has won the division competition. I believe this is due to the fact that Edwards Airmen are prepared when they go in front of the Division board and they know what is expected of them."

The AFSA also awards Airmen who dedicate their time to volunteer both on-and off-base. In doing so, the AFSA volunteer of the year award was given to Master Sgt. Steven Walden, 412th Flight Test Squadron current operations section chief, for his more than 1,100 hours of service performed during the award year. He was also the Chapter coordinator for the Annual POW/MIA Recognition ceremony. He led 24 committee members and dedicated more than 600 hours to planning, organizing and executing the ceremony, luncheon and retreat ceremony.

"This award shows that many of the enlisted members on Edwards are out on the base and in the local area consistently working toward the common goal that is aligned with that of AFSA -- 'better well being, quality of life and better benefits for the enlisted corps,'" Sergeant Walden said. "Realizing that the results of our efforts go on to make life better for all members, both enlisted and commissioned, along with each and every family member of these devoted Airmen, is a great accomplishment."

Another accomplishment is the AFSA 2005 Member of the Year Award given to Master Sgt. Gunner Graham, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron F-35 maintenance production superintendent, for his personal involvement in assisting the United Desert Charities Bingo Hall, proceeds of which are distributed to 32 charities throughout the Antelope Valley. He also volunteers his time to the Lancaster Grace Resource Center and Desert Vineyard Christian Church in Lancaster, Calif.