188th names 2011 Airmen of the Year award winners

  • Published
  • By Capt. Heath Allen
  • 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  The success of a wing always depends on the quality and aptitudes of its personnel. The 188th Fighter Wing recognized those individuals who have made some of the most notable contributions to the Flying Razorbacks' success in 2011. The 188th named its top Airmen of the year during a commander's call Dec. 3.

"We're very proud of the hard work and dedication of all the nominees and award winners," said Col. Tom Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander. "It's their commitment to the Air Force Core Values and their determination that helps this wing excel and allows our mission to flourish. I also commend all the supervisors for taking the time to submit these award packages and for recognizing their personnel for all the sacrifices they make and the successes they've achieved."

Taking home the unit's Outstanding Airman of the Year was Senior Airman Michael Rutherford of the 188th Fire Emergency Services Flight.

Joining Rutherford as nominees for this accolade were: Senior Airman Kyle Flannigan, Senior Airman Lauren Davidson, Senior Airman David Wasicek and Airman 1st Class Chanel Irvin. Outstanding Service Awards were also awarded to Irvin and Davidson. Wasicek and Flannigan received Outstanding Service Certificates.

Staff Sgt. Lowell McKenzie Jr. of the 188th Civil Engineer Squadron was named Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Along with McKenzie, the nominees for Outstanding NCO of the Year were: Tech Sgt. Robert Martin, Tech Sgt. Tony Crockett, Tech Sgt. Michelle Malone, Staff Sgt. George Burns Jr., Staff Sgt. John Prescott IV and Staff Sgt. Clifford Robison. Crockett and Malone received the Outstanding Service Award. Burns, Prescott, Robison and Martin received Outstanding Service Certificates.

Senior Master Sgt. Walter Schluterman of the 188th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron nabbed the Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year honor. Joining Schluterman as nominees for Senior NCO of the Year were: Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Peters, Senior Master Sgt. William Moers III, Master Sgt. Richard Barr and Master Sgt. Derrick Phillips. Peters and Phillips received Outstanding Service Awards. Moers and Barr earned Outstanding Service Certificates.

Master Sgt. Joshua Rich of the 188th Civil Engineer Squadron snagged the Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year award.

Master Sgt. Stephen Walbe was named the Outstanding Honor Guard Member of the Year.

"This is a great program and we encourage all supervisors and commanders to take advantage of the opportunity to show off the quality and expertise of those Airmen in their sections who go above and beyond to help push this wing to new heights," said 188th Command Chief Master Sgt. Asa Carter.

Carter said the 188th's outstanding Airmen will advance to compete at the state level.

A 188th member was also honored as the Air Force Association Person of the Year. Jerry Reichenbach of the AFA was on hand to present the award to Senior Master Sgt. Mike Francis with the 188th Safety Office.

Outstanding Airman of the Year
Senior Airman Michael Rutherford

Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
Staff Sgt. Lowell McKenzie Jr.

Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
Senior Master Sgt. Walter Schluterman

Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year
Master Sgt. Joshua Rich

Outstanding Honor Guard Member of the Year
Master Sgt. Stephen Walbe

Outstanding Service Awards
Airman 1st Class Chanel Irvin
Senior Airman Lauren Davidson
Tech Sgt. Tony Crockett
Tech Sgt. Michelle Malone
Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Peters
Master Sgt. Derrick Phillips

Outstanding Service Certificates
Senior Airman Kyle Flannigan
Senior Airman David Wasicek
Tech Sgt. Robert Martin
Staff Sgt. George Burns Jr.
Staff Sgt. John Prescott IV
Staff Sgt. Clifford Robison
Senior Master Sgt. William Moers III
Master Sgt. Richard Barr