Loadmaster wins Airman of the Year

  • Published
  • By Airman Chelsea Gitzen
  • Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  Of all the awards presented for the outstanding performances of Dobbins personnel during 2008, only one held onto the title of "Airman." 

Senior Airman Anthony Toste, a loadmaster at the 700th Airlift Squadron received the Airman of the Year award for 2008.

With an outstanding record including service overseas to support the Global War on Terror, this Airman has lived his short career thus far to the fullest. And in this career, he has made an everlasting impression on the servicemembers he works with. 

His supervisors used incredible words in his recommendation for what they explained was an incredible Airman, even describing Airman Toste as a "stellar role model for other Airmen." 

Airman Toste's recommendations were greatly supported by the factual evidence of his accomplishments: flying more than 350 hours, airdropping more than 80 Army Ranger Trainees during their final aerial drop zone training, training other loadmasters to improve their efficiency and overall knowledge, and even airdropping 40 Wings of Blue parachutists in an air show in Alaska. 

"The air show I participated in Alaska was one of my most memorable missions," said Airman Toste. "Everyone was very nice, and the Wings of Blue team is such a great group of people." 

However, the mission that stands out the most to this Airman is not the one in Alaska, but the air show held here at Dobbins ARB this past October. Airman Toste was especially proud of the group of volunteers he was tasked to supervise. 

"They were very helpful and enthusiastic, especially the JROTC cadets," said Airman Toste. "The cadets were very eager to assist, quite respectful and extremely hard-working. It was humbling to be able to work with them and the other volunteers." 

In addition to his supervisory role, Airman Toste also constructed a distinguished visitor's tent, put together all of the passes for the tent's admission and coordinated throughout the event with other organizations such as the Services Squadron. 

But Airman Toste does not completely attribute his success to his own actions. 

"I simply did my best, and worked for as long as possible," said Airman Toste, "I owe it all to the volunteers at the air show and to the senior members of my squadron." 

Airman Toste's appreciation runs deep for the members of his squadron. His supervisors have helped him with anything ranging from personal to professional. 

"I couldn't do anything without my training and leadership," said Airman Toste. "My supervisors have been extremely instrumental and very vital to my career. The leadership at the squadron is really in a league of its own."