Team McConnell member awarded Outstanding Airmen of the Year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  A selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force base, Texas, selected the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2008.

"I am humbled and honored to be recognized for this achievement, especially because I've seen the tremendous contributions made by other Airmen all over the world," said Tech. Sgt. James Caughron, 22nd Civil Engineering Squadron fire department. "I am glad that my children get the opportunity to see that hard work pays off, especially with all the time they sacrificed."

The AFPC board considered 33 nominees from different Air Force Specialty Codes across the Air Force.

The nominees are authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year ribbon, while the 12 winners will wear the bronze service star device on the ribbon. The winners will also wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Badge for one year from the date of formal presentation.

"I hope to learn as much as possible from this experience and will try to make a difference to the Air Force and the Airmen I meet along the way," said Sergeant Caughron. "I am excited to see where this opportunity will take me."

The Air Force Association will honor the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year during its Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., this September. The Airmen will also serve as members of the AFA's enlisted advisory council for the next year.

"I haven't even begun to learn all of the responsibilities that come with this award," said Sergeant Caughron. "I know that I will have the opportunity to represent the Air Force, McConnell, 22 CES, and the fire department."

"I believe that one of the primary responsibilities will be to reach out to the Airmen that I meet at various events throughout the year and listen to their concerns and praises about the Air Force," said Sergeant Caughron.

The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year winners are:

· Senior Master Sgt. Donna Goodno, San Diego Air National Guard Station, Calif.
· Master Sgt. Carla Curry, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
· Master Sgt. George Price Jr., Patrick AFB, Fla.
· Tech. Sgt. James Caughron, McConnell AFB, Kan.
· Tech. Sgt. Earl Covel Jr., Fort Lewis, Wash.
· Tech. Sgt. Jason Hughes, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska.
· Tech. Sgt. Tammy Shaw, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
· Tech. Sgt. James Weltin, Patrick AFB, Fla.
· Staff Sgt. Eric Eberhard, Hill AFB, Utah.
· Senior Airman Mary Bullock, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
· Senior Airman Alicia Goetschel, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom.
· Senior Airman Shawn Ryan, Sheppard AFB, Texas.