Annual award winners recognized for achievements

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Atchison and Airman 1st Class Robert Dennard
  • Public Affairs
The Annual Outstanding Airmen Awards are given to those who maintain their resolve and strive for distinction when mediocrity starts to set in. The 2005 award winners are Airman 1st Class Eric Anderson, 700th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, Tech. Sgt. Glen Saunders, 94th Maintenance Squadron C-130 communication and navigation craftsman, Master Sgt. Brad Sims (ret.) Formal Training Unit assistant registrar and Master Sgt. Edward L. Hart, Jr., 94th Operation Support Squadron first sergeant. 

“I strongly recommended Airman Anderson for the Airman of the Quarter Award,” said Chief Master Sgt. John Cowman, 700th Airlift Squadron loadmaster superintendent. “He was sought out by the loadmaster instructor cadre to work with loadmaster students during flight training events in support of the formal training unit mission.” Airman Anderson was also handpicked to participate in the Dobbins Air Reserve Base Chief Master Sergeant Induction Ceremony as well as Operation Varsity, in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the largest airdrop in World War II because of his outstanding achievements. 

Tech. Sgt. Glen Saunders, NCO of the Year, is regarded as a “cutting edge” technician by his superiors. A key team member, Sergeant Saunders manages his shop’s Precision Measurement Equipment and Supply Equipment programs. His efforts have streamlined and improved equipment transportation procedures and costs. He also took the lead on the C-130 Satellite Communications antenna modification from July to September 2005. Lt. Col. Paul Meyer said Sergeant Saunders has a volunteer spirit and puts team goals first. “He was key to the 94th Maintenance Group earning the 2004 Air Force Reserve Command Maintenance Effectiveness Award.” 

Sergeant Saunders also recently completed an Operation JOINT FORCE deployment in the Balkans area of operations. “Sergeant Sims exemplifies Air Force Core Values,” said Col. Joseph Thomas, former 94th OSS commander. “His integrity, work excellence and devotion to the Air Force are obvious in the positive, wing-wide affect he has had while helping create the Dobbins C-130 Hercules FTU.” 

Around the base, Sergeant Sims is regarded as the FTU expert, added Colonel Thomas. Sergeant Sims earned the rarely awarded Occupational Instructor Certificate; a higher tenure certificate awarded only to those individuals who have actively served as a FTU instructor for more then two years. He also volunteers for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps flights, allowing more than 1,600 high school students the opportunity to fly on a C-130. 

First Sergeant of the Year honors go to Master Sgt. Edward L. Hart, Jr. “He is the top first sergeant I have seen in 22 years of service,” said Colonel Thomas. “He was the linchpin in the newly created 94th OSS, providing indispensable administrative and personnel expertise. Sergeant Hart saved hundreds of man hours by creating a new continuity book format which was adopted as the squadron standard. 

Sergeant Hart also created the Airman Recognition Program which was adopted for base wide use and the Diamond Sharp and the Diamond Well-Done award programs which recognize those who exhibit exceptional dress and appearance or performance above standards. He is recognized as an enlisted leader and a trusted advisor to the command of the OSS. 

“We should all congratulate those outstanding service members,” said Chief Master Sgt. Mike West, 94th Airlift Wing command chief. “In a way, their achievements are our own because the goals they strive for are the goals we all strive to attain.”