MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- An Airman from the 22nd Operations Support Squadron intelligence flight won 2016 Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Airman of the Year award for her exemplary work in keeping aircrews safe from enemy threats.
Senior Airman Samantha Edsall, 22nd OSS intelligence analyst, received the news from her squadron commander and in her typical, modest nature explained why the award was so special to her.
“I was very surprised,” said Edsall, a 3 year veteran. “Another Airman in my shop had won it once before, so it felt good to have the award come back to McConnell.”
As an intelligence analyst, Edsall is responsible for updating the wing leadership each week on enemy capabilities and potential threats to help them make informed decisions. She also briefs all aircrew members, pre and post-mission on aircraft positioning and the safest flying routes to take. She is proud of the work she does and the way she directly contributes to the mission.
During her most recent deployment, she received Airman of the Month two out of the four months and Airman of the Quarter. She was also selected as the intelligence representative for a Africa Command humanitarian mission, where she prepped aircrew members to help evacuate U.S. Embassy workers safely, according to her award package submission.
“I think one thing that helped me win this award is my enthusiasm for my job,” Edsall added. “It’s satisfying knowing that every little task that I complete can have an impact on a mission. Whether it is briefing someone who is going on their first or tenth deployment, I help others understand the difference they make with what they do.”
Edsall credited her co-workers and supervisors for helping her win the award.
“Everyone I work with played a huge part in receiving this award,” said Edsall. “They did everything from support me to actually help me learn and execute new tasks. My leadership also helped by providing me with clear objectives and chances to grow in my career field.”
Edsall’s supervisors and peers are proud of her for what she has accomplished since being here, earning multiple quarterly awards and also receiving Senior Airman Below-the-Zone for going above and beyond.
“The caliber of work and professionalism that Senior Airman Edsall exudes on a daily basis needed to be recognized,” said Tech Sgt. Allen Clawson, 22nd OSS intelligence training NCO in-charge. “Throughout my years of being in the military, I have seen people who are dedicated to one thing or are consistent with doing another, but rarely have I seen someone dedicated to fulfilling their entire role as an ambassador to the Air Force.”
When Edsall is not working to deter any potential enemies, she spends time with her friends playing volleyball and tennis. The Colorado Springs, Colorado, native is currently working on a new goal. She would like to finish her Community College of the Air Force degree before the end of 2017 and then move on to her bachelor's in intelligence studies.