Top Three holds elections, last meeting of 2011 Published Jan. 7, 2012 By Master Sgt. James Branch Dobbins Top Three DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The Dobbins Top Three cumulated 2011 with its final meeting and elections of new officers during the December Unit Training Assembly (UTA). Senior Master Sgt. Larry Lopez, two term Top Three president, opened the meeting and covered the agenda. Lt. Col. Matthew Wadd, 22nd Air Force chief of security forces and Air Force Academy admission officer, disscused the academy LEAD program, a 10-month enlisted-to-officer preparatory school offered by the academy to the Top Three members. "Senior noncommissioned officers know their junior enlisted, that's why they're the best recruiters for this program," said Wadd. "Enlisted Airmen are good leaders because of their experience, background and diversity." Each year, the academy opens 85 slots for the program, in which 50 of those are for enlisted Airmen. "The academy selects attendees based on the whole-person concept; academic scores, military performance, athletic participation and character development" said Wadd. "This is an excellent opportunity for enlisted Airman under the age of 23. The candidate must graduate from the academy by age 27. They will graduate with a Bachelor of Science, in their chosen engineering or technological field." Several senior NCOs cast their bids to serve on the upcoming 2012 Top Three administration. The members elected Senior Master Sgt. Joyce Hughes, 94th Airlift Wing Education Office chief, as president. Master Sgt. Richard Graddy, 700th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, was elected vice president. Master Sgt. Elena Lund, 94th Judge Advocate General superintendant, will be the new Top Three secretary, Master Sgt. Greg Lee, 700 AS loadmaster, treasurer and Master Sergeant Stephen Winters, 94th Force Support Squadron first sergeant, will serve as sergeant at arms. "It's all about mentoring," said Hughes, president-elect. "I was once a paper-member of the Top 3. I paid my dues and was not much involved. All that has changed; I love being a member of this organization." Lopez, along with Master Sgt. Jeffery Botz, 2011 Top Three vice president, gave their final addresses to attendees. "We've accomplished a lot over the past year," said Lopez. "It's been an honor to serve in this capacity, added Botz. Retired 94 AW Command Chief Master Sgt. John M. Anderson took time out from a base visit to attend the meeting. The Top Three continues to enrich our junior Airmen, and make the Dobbins community a better place, said Anderson.
