Airmen, teams recognized at AFA 2009 conference kickoff

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  Air Force members receiving special recognition attended the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Opening and Award ceremonies Sept. 14 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy presented awards to Airmen, teams and a major command that made significant contributions to the service's joint and global missions.

In his opening remarks, General Schwartz emphasized the importance of air, space and cyberspace power and thanked Airmen for the support that "drives the Air Force."

"Here I see professionals, great thinkers and committed advocates of air, space and cyberspace power and the proper employment of that power in the defense of our great nation," General Schwartz said. "I look forward to the fellowship and opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue."

Air Force senior leaders presented the following awards:

-- SecAF Safety Award, Category I: U.S. Air Forces in Europe
-- SecAF Safety Award, Category II: Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center
-- Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award: Mrs. Michelle L. Storch, Hill Air Force Base, Utah
-- Gill Robb Wilson Award: U.S. Air Force Band, 11th Operations Group, 11th Wing, Bolling AFB, D.C.
-- Citation of Honor: Enterprise Operation Squadron, National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, Va.
-- Associate to Baccalaureate Program Award: Master Sgt. Richard Diamond and Master Sgt. Keith Munroe, both of Langley AFB, Va.

During the three-day conference and exposition, more than three dozen expert panelists will address topics of key interest in today's Air Force and aerospace development. The conference is open to all services' enlisted, officer, civilian, active duty, guardsmen, reservists, retirees, veterans and industry partners.

For a complete list of AFA award winners, visit www.afa.org/aboutus/nawards.asp.