Services career field named Air Force Team of the Year Published May 26, 2006 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Each year, Air Force officials evaluate career fields for unity and exceptional performance that warrants recognition by the entire force. In conjunction with the Air Force Association, one career field is recognized with an Air Force-level award. Services, Air Force Specialty Code 3M0X1, was selected based on significant contributions to the war on terrorism and humanitarian relief on bases around the world and to Air Force families, said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray. “We are very proud to showcase the dedicated men and women of Services,” Chief Murray said. “Any person visiting our installations would be hard pressed not to come in contact (with), or be influenced by, our Services personnel. This career field personifies Airmen taking care of Airmen, and we are honored to pay tribute to them this year.” Five Airmen were selected from the nearly 8,000 in Services to represent the career field for five days of recognition and activities in Washington, D.C., from May 20 to 24. Deciding who to pick was not easy, said Chief Master Sgt. Owen Davies, Services career field manager.“We have so many of our Airmen doing amazing jobs supporting our Air Force mission, at home and deployed,” he said. The representatives were: Staff Sgt. Heather Schaffer, 153rd Services Flight, Wyoming Air National Guard, Cheyenne, Wyo.; Senior Airman John Hitchens, 375th Services Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.; Airman 1st Class Andrea Quintanilla, 347th SVS, Moody AFB, Ga.; Airman 1st Class Nicolas Paulino, 355th SVS, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.; and Airman Ashley Sakurai, 35th SVS, Misawa Air Base, Japan. “These Airmen are the backbone of our career field,” Chief Davies said. “They’ve demonstrated the highest caliber of performance, unity and commitment at their bases and while deployed.”These team members have deployed in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and for Hurricane Katrina relief. In addition, they amassed an extensive list of accomplishments within their units.“The five of us represent a team of professionals made up of Airmen from the active duty force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Air Force civilians who are proud of what we do,” Sergeant Schaffer said. “Being here and standing beside my active-duty counterparts is truly an honor.” Airman Quintilla didn’t realize the magnitude of the award at first.“I was proud to be recognized for my work, but being able to represent everyone from my base and across the Air Force is awesome,” she said. “I really believe everyone appreciates what we do in Services, even if they don’t always tell us directly.” Airman Hitchens was honored that his career field was chosen for recognition and humbled with his selection as a representative.“I know a lot of great Services people,” he said. “I just hope that I can be a good ambassador for our career field.” Summing it up as the “biggest week” in his career, Airman Paulino said meeting interesting people and seeing the nation’s capitol has been a “breathtaking” experience for him and his wife. The team representatives were able to bring a family member or friend to the week of activities. The Air Force Association and the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force designed an aggressive schedule for the Airmen to visit landmarks throughout the city and meet with senior leaders and Congressional members. An awards banquet formally recognized their contributions. “We owe tremendous thanks to the Air Force Association for hosting this award each year,” Chief Murray said. “Their support for our Airmen is always outstanding.” The experience left a marked impression on Airman Sakurai.“I’m really looking forward to getting back to my base and sharing this award and my experiences with the other Services Airmen,” she said. “It means a lot to me to be here.” Airman Hitchens shared a favorite quote that resonated for all those involved. He pointed out it comes from a time before women served in the military. “It goes something like, ‘The greatest love that ever existed is between men in combat,’ and to me, (that) means the bond Airmen form while working and fighting together,” Airman Hitchens said. “As an Air Force, we share that bond and are truly one giant team.”