Airman of the Year

Staff Sgt. Raquel Caramanno is congratulated by Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander, and the 412th MDG team, during the announcement of her selection as one of the 12 Air Force Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Pictured, left to right: 412th Medical Group commander, Col. Karen Cox-Dean; Schaefer, Caramanno; Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Soto, 412th MDG; Chief Master Sgt. Todd Simmons, 412th TW command chief; and Lt. Col. David Huinker, 412th Medical Support Squadron commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dawn Waldman)

Edwards Airman one of Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Published July 29, 2016
By Kenji Thuloweit
412th Test Wing Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --

Staff Sgt. Raquel Caramanno is one of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. She is the NCOIC of Medical Readiness for the 412th Medical Group and is also responsible for the training of 17 medical contingency response teams and the accounting/budget of $1.1 million in War Reserve Materiel.

A selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered dozens of nominees from around the entire Air Force. The board selected 12 Airmen based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements.

Caramanno is authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon with the bronze service star device on it. She is also authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Badge for one year from the date of the formal presentation this fall.

Edwards is Caramanno's first duty station.

"Being selected as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year is an absolute honor and a humbling experience. It is an amazing feeling to be recognized for all of the hard work and commitment I've dedicated towards my career in support of the Air Force mission.