ACC honors 2011 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Published April 28, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Richard Williams 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Air Combat Command honored its best and brightest during the 2011 Outstanding Airmen of the Year recognition banquet in Omaha, Neb., April 20. The banquet was the culmination of a three-day process, which was sponsored by ACC and supported locally by members of the 55th Wing, where Airmen attended professional military development, met with a formal board and enjoyed some of Omaha's local attractions. This was the third year the event was held in the Omaha area and Chief Master Sgt. Martin S. Klukas, Command Chief Master Sergeant of ACC, could not thank the men and women of the 55th Wing and the local community enough for the support ACC received. "I think Omaha, Neb. is an awesome place to have this event. I think having this event in this venue downtown right next to the Old Market makes it flexible for us because we literally walk right out the doors and into some history." "Everything here was absolutely amazing," said Tech. Sgt. Desirae Thomas, winner ACC Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year. "From the time we got off the airplane until tonight the hospitality of the staff and everyone here from Offutt has just been amazing." Chief Klukas said the quality of Airmen nominated in each category made it extremely difficult to select a winner this year. "It is evident that the Airmen who were sent here from the numbered Air Forces are absolutely phenomenal. "To be an outstanding Airman is to focus on the mission," Chief Klukas said. "You have to know your job and know it extremely well, and you have to execute that job." The attention to the mission and working as a team was echoed by fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor. "Obviously you have to learn your job and do it to the best of your ability." There is a lot of emphasis on physical fitness, and on serving the country to the best of one's ability, Chief Gaylor added. "I think it is just a matter of defining within your own mind what is it that I have agreed to do and doing it." Chief Gaylor said honoring those who are the best at their job can't be stressed enough as a motivator for all Airmen. "I know if I were a young Airman on active duty, I would say, 'Hey I want to be in that competition. I want to be recognized for my achievement.'" Three phrases came to mind when Sergeant Thomas, from the, 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw AFB, S.C., was asked about winning her award. "I am very humbled, taken back, and did not expect it at all." "I just came out here to have a good time and network and meet piers and friends that I have made for a lifetime and will carry throughout my career," Sergeant Thomas said. "We don't get to this position or this level of competition on our own merits," Chief Klukas said. He and Chief Gaylor added it is the team working together to accomplish the mission which places these Airmen in a position to excel. This is something Sergeant Thomas was quick to point out, "I just want to say thank you to my leadership at Shaw AFB, my supervisors and all of my co-workers," who she added made her nomination possible. Sergeant Thomas said that even if she had not won in her category, she was honored to even be nominated to compete at the ACC level. "I don't know how the chief's selected. It was really stiff competition and everyone was outstanding." Chief Gaylor said he travels to around 25-30 Air Force bases annually and the nominees and the winners of the ACC Outstanding Airman of the Year are only a sample of the quality Airmen doing America's business today. "I have the greatest amount of respect for those serving in the guard, Reserve and active force today," he said. "I like what I see in all ranks and I think the Air Force is doing a lot of things right." Winners in each of the six categories are listed below. These winners will represent Air Combat Command at the Air Force level. Airman: Senior Airman Ulla B. Stromberg, Nellis AFB, Nev. Noncommissioned Officer: Tech. Sgt. Jeremy D. Phillips, Moody AFB, Ga. Senior Noncommissioned Officer: Senior Master Sgt. Randy G. Sabin, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. First Sergeant: Master Sgt. Dorian A Dillon, Eglin AFB, Fla. Honor Guard Member: Airman 1st Class Iori S. Osawa, Shaw AFB, S.C. Honor Guard Program Manager: Tech. Sgt. Desirae N. Thomas, Shaw AFB, S.C.
