Most outstanding Airmen in AFSPC named

by Master Sgt. Kevin Williams
Air Force Space Command Public Affairs

3/27/2013 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  -- Air Force Space Command named its most Outstanding Airmen of the Year March 27.

The 2012 OAY program recognizes outstanding, active duty professionals in a range of grades representing a cross section of career fields for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements. The AFSPC winners now represent the command at the Air Force-level competition.

Command leaders were quick to acknowledge the winners and wish them luck as they compete at Air Force level.

"I am very proud of the hard work and professionalism of these Airmen," said General William Shelton, Commander, Air Force Space Command. "They clearly represent the very best of our command, and I know they will compete well at the Air Force level. Congratulations to each of our winners!"

The command's top enlisted Airman agreed with the general in extending his congratulations to the best and brightest in AFPSC.

"Congratulations to our Outstanding Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Linus Jordan Jr., AFSPC command chief. "Our command's hallmark is great Airmen and these honorees represent the best of the best. We're very proud of, and thankful for, them. We know they will represent the command well at Air Force level!"

This year's winner are:

Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Brian Murray, 318th Operations Support Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas

First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Michael Wynne, 45th Security Forces Squadron, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.

Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Master Sgt. Tessa Fontaine, National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, Va.

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Amanda Caldwell, 91st Network Warfare Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas

Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Jonathan Middleton, 6th Space Warning Squadron, 21st Space Wing, Sagamore, Mass.

Selecting the best of the best from 32 nominations was no easy task for the AFSPC AOY selection panel, as those submitted are among the command's elite.

"The OAY is an opportunity to formally recognize excellence among Airmen," said Senior Master Sgt. Keri Tadder, AFSPC OAY Committee Chairman. "The headquarters received well-written nominations from the field and that is a testament to the frontline supervisors and commanders who develop and lead our AFSPC Airmen every day."