On Jan. 15, 104 people attended a special breakfast at the McChord Co-located Club; the 62nd Airlift Wing 2015 Annual Awards Breakfast. The crowd, consisting of primarily airmen and officers with a smattering of civilians, assembled with all the reverent silence one would expect of a military awards banquet, and yet there were subtle hints that this was not a typical awards ceremony.

For one, many of the airmen showed flashes of color at their necks.  These bright blue and red morale shirts could also have indicated the day of the week (Friday) but as the event progressed, it became readily apparent that the mood of the morning was more celebratory than reverent, more fun than staid.

The next example of spirit came directly after the singing of the National Anthem, when the chaplain asked for applause, a request met with shouts and cheers.  Similarly, the introduction of distinguished guests and community partners was met with the noise of cheering and applause.

Finally, as nominees were announced, chants more readily associated with cadence were shouted, and the happy, celebratory mood was cemented. What the crowd was celebrating was the recognition of work above and beyond daily expectations.  Leadership submitted nominees' packets and winners were chosen based on performance in three areas: work performance, self-improvement and education.

Packets were weighted so that 80 percent of the scores were based on leadership and performance in primary duties, 10 percent significant self-improvement, which could include schooling or such things as CPR certifications or training to the Air Force.  Finally, packets were weighted 10 percent on nominees' demonstrated base or community involvement; volunteering skills and services outside the scope of their duties.

The categories, nominees and winners of awards were broken down in 11 categories and three groups.

For Civilian of the Year category IA, nominees were Richard West from the 62nd Maintenance Group (62 MXG), Andrew Roberts from the 62nd Operations Group (62 OG), and Elizer Yamzon from the Wing Staff Agencies (WSA), with Andrew Roberts taking home the award.

Civilian of the Year category IIA nominees were Greg Robbins (62 MXG), Agnes Ellis (62 OG), and April Habel (WSA), with Greg Robbins winning.  

Civilian of the Year Category IIB nominees were Anthony Bamba (62 MXB), Stephen Mortensen (62OG), and Kenneth Heath (WSA).  Stephen Mortenson won the award for this category.

Airman of the Year nominees were Senior Airman Steven Swei (62 MXG), Senior Airman Brooke Breeden (62 OG),  and Senior Airman Jessica Picton (WSA).  Senior Airman Brooke Breeden won her category.  

Noncommissioned officer nominees were Tech. Sgt. Justin Gebhardt (62 MXG), Staff Sgt. Nikita Dite (62 OG), and Tech. Sgt. Daniel Cain (WSA).  The winner of this category was Tech. Sgt. Justin Gebhardt.

In the Senior Noncommissioned Officer categories, nominees were Senior Master Sgt. Jason Abernathy (62 MXG), Master Sgt. Wesley Green (62 OG), and Master Sgt. Kelly Jacobs (WSA); Master Sgt. Wesley Green won the award.

In the Junior Company Grade Officer category, nominees were 1st Lt. Matthew Hensley (62 MXG), 1st Lt. Joshua Moore (662 OG), and 1st Lt. George Ogwela (WSA). 1st Lt. Matthew Hensley won in his category.  

In the Company Grade Officer category, nominees were Capt. Katherine Harmon (62 MXG), Capt. Buddy McNeal (61 OG) and Capt. Jessica Delaney (WSA), with Capt. Buddy McNeal winning the award.

In the Field Grade Officer category, nominees were Maj. Nicholas Parise (62 OG) and Maj. Neil Senkowski (WSA), with Maj. Nicholas Parise taking home the award.  

In the First Sergeant of the Year category, between nominees Master Sgt. Robert Peaden (62 MXG) and Master Sgt. Mathhew Shaver (62 OG), Master Sgt. Matthew Shaver took home the award.  

Finally, Mrs. Stephanie McNeal took home the Key Spouse of the Year award.

In his closing comments, 62nd Airlift Wing Commander Colonel Leonard Kosinski emphasized his admiration of the excellence exhibited by the nominees and winners, but pointed out, "alone, we can't do anything," suggesting that there's a team of support behind every leader.  Even still, he said, "You all are true leaders ... the level of excellence is amazing."  And the loudly appreciative crowd seemed to agree.