DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Air Force Reserve Command's 94th Airlift Wing has selected Capt. Donna Smith, from the 80th Aerial Port Squadron, for the wing's prestigious 2008 Company Grade Officer of the Year award. 

The traditional reservist from Atlanta, Ga. said she feels blessed to have received the honor.

"I feel blessed and honored to have been selected," said Captain Smith. "I feel compelled to perform in a manner that is in keeping with the Air Force's core values -- integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. I am honored and grateful."

Captain Smith has 11 years of service in the Air Force Reserve and has been a member of the 94th AW since 2004. She said she finds her work here enjoyable.

"I like being able to use my skills to positively affect our mission," she said.

According to 94th AW Vice Commander Col. Joseph Thomas, it was her performance as the wing's Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) officer that set Captain Smith apart from the other candidates under consideration for the annual award.

"She was doing a lieutenant colonel's job as a captain and she performed it superbly," said Colonel Thomas. "She's got a lot of brains. She's creative and she has excellent problem solving and planning skills."

From November 2006 until August 2008, Captain Smith led the day-to-day preparation work for the wing's inspection. The amount and scope of her work included detailed coordination between the wing, Air Force Reserve Command, 22nd Air Force and other agencies. 

Her accomplishments include organizing a training plan for 10 Air Education Training Command units; developing and maintaining a metrics automation tool to track and update the wing's training; and coordinating with civil engineering and aeromedical staging squadron personnel to execute a mass field training program involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high yield explosive (CBRNE) and self aid and buddy care training.

94th Mission Support Group Commander Col. Steven Slick described Captain Smith as a "fireball of initiative." 

"Captain Smith is highly motivated; a self-starter," said Colonel Slick. "She took the responsibility of preparing the wing for the ORI and ran with it. The wing wouldn't have been as successful without her outstanding performance in preparation activities."

Currently, Captain Smith is preparing the 80th APS, 94th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, 94th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 94th Civil Engineering Squadron for the ORI scheduled to take place in December.