MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Every year, the 908th Airlift Wing hosts an annual awards banquet where members, civilian and Reserve Citizen Airmen alike, gather for food, fun, and to celebrate the wing’s highest achievers. This year the banquet was cancelled to maintain social-distancing and help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The wing leadership felt nominees and winners deserved to hear their names announced so, in lieu of a banquet, revealed this year’s recipients through a pre-taped video.
“The health and welfare of our Airmen is most important to us,” said Command Chief Master Sgt. Tracy D. Cornett. “We also couldn’t let our members go unrecognized for their outstanding contributions to the wing’s success, so we opted for a virtual platform.”
908 AW group and squadron commanders from across the wing took turns announcing the categories and nominees. After some words of inspiration from guest speaker retired Air Force Maj. Gen. John P. Stokes, 908th Airlift Wing commander Col. Craig W. Drescher, vice commander Casey J. Burril, and Cornett then announced the individual winners.
Winners for 2020:
Airman of the Year – Senior Airman Shelby S. Thurman, photojournalist;
Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year – Staff Sgt. Janie E. Murray, flight engineer;
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year - Master Sgt. Christopher T. Hines, logistics plans;
First Sergeant of the Year – Master Sgt. Rebecca R. Harrison;
Company Grade Officer of the Year – Capt. Natalie A. Marshall, instructor pilot/flight commander;
Civilian of the Year Category II – Mr. Justin C. Nettles, standards & evaluations;
Civilian of the Year Category III – Ms. Cassie L. Price, flight operations nurse.
“We have 1200 incredible Airmen serving and supporting our country at the 908th,” Drescher said. “These nominees and winners represent the top one percent of our team.”
The video, produced by 908 AW Public Affairs, is viewable on our website on our Facebook page 908th Airlift Wing.