The Oscars were a ratings success this year, but the airmen of the 446th Airlift Wing on McChord Field far preferred their own annual awards banquet, which was hosted by the 446th commander, Col. Bruce Bowers.

The event, which was held March 8 at the Museum of Flight, boasted a number of high-profile guests, including one of the last surviving Doolittle Raiders, retired Lt. Col. Ed Saylor; Medal of Honor recipient Col. Joe Jackson; 446th spouse of the year, Mrs. Colleen Gause; and top Air Force Reservist, Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson.

Maj. John Dyson, who has served on both active duty and in the reserves over the last 24 years, was named the 446th Field Grade Officer of the Year. Although Dyson won the fourth quarter award, he was surprised at winning the annual award.

"I think the deployment did provide a lot of the experience that I needed to fill out the packet and be considered," Dyson stated. "It set the tone for what I do as an officer, how I operate and it sharpened my skills."

The 86th Aerial Port Squadron operations officer is referring to when he volunteered for a deployment to the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, between November 2012 and June 2013. Then, about a month before his scheduled return home, tragedy struck when three airmen perished in a KC-135 Stratotanker mishap in northern Kyrgyzstan.

Dyson had a small amount of time to process the accident before his three-day stint as the Emergency Operations officer and on-scene commander began. His objective was to ensure that there was seamless coverage during the aircraft recovery and collection efforts, as well as coordinate with the EOC in Manas for supplies.

"Without the team that I had there, I couldn't have done it," Dyson added.

>>> 446th Airlift Wing Annual Award banquet was held at the Museum of Flight in Seattle March 8. Photo credit: Lobban Photography Inc.

In addition to the EOC and Kyrgyzstan Army, Dyson worked with Air Force Pararescue and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for recovery efforts.

"I don't ever look to be recognized, and in the midst of some really great company (in the category), I didn't expect it. It was a great honor," said Dyson, a Gig Harbor resident.

Dyson, who has since transitioned from the 86th Aerial Port Squadron to the 36th Aerial Port Squadron, is slated to backfill for the squadron commander during an upcoming deployment while he awaits his own command down the line.

"It was a humbling night," said retired Master Sgt. Keith Sekora, a wounded warrior and who was honored at the dinner. Sekora, who spent a decade on active duty in the Army and then another eight in the Air Force Reserves before being medically retired in 2012, wasn't exactly prepared to have the spotlight on him.

"The 446th are family and when they called to ask if I could come and be a part of it, I didn't hesitate to get ready and wear my uniform again, even shave the goatee," Sekora said. "But I didn't know I was being honored."

The former EOD technician also enjoyed reconnecting with members of his squadron and speaking with younger airmen who credited his speaking engagements with preparing them for deployments.

"I want them to know that seeking help is not a bad thing," Sekora said.

Sekora is currently preparing for Warrior Games team trials in April, where he will compete in seated volleyball, shot put, discus and archery, as well as training to compete in the 2016 Paralympics in just archery. He will also be featured in the Wounded Warrior Project's Wounded: The Battle Back Home series, airing on MSNBC, in late April.