Staff Sgt. Michelle Fedrick wasn't sure what to think when her best friend sent her a text message congratulating her on winning an Air Force award.

"I didn't even believe it was real," Fedrick said with a laugh.

She saw a post on Facebook confirming the news, but she still wasn't sold. Fedrick had to wait through the weekend and even into Monday afternoon before 62nd Operations Support Squadron leadership confirmed what had already been leaked: she'd been awarded the 2011 Air Mobility Command Aviation Resource Management Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award.

The wait and the uncertainty didn't tarnish things a bit for the 27-year-old Airman from Asburn, Ga.

"It feels good," she said. "It's nice to be recognized."

It should come as no surprise that Fedrick captured the award. The Airman has embraced her role as an NCO since she arrived at McChord Field. Fedrick is the 5/6 Club's treasurer and has volunteered tirelessly in the local community, participating in the club's Adopt a Street Program and volunteering opportunities at local homeless shelters and Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts.

"I feel like I'm a selfless person," Fedrick said. "I'm always trying to give back."

Fedrick works as the 62nd Airlift Wing's current wing operations scheduler, helping coordinate participating units for aircrew drop zone training and air refueling. She also helps generate a flying schedule of all the local and international missions coming through the base. But perhaps more importantly, she embraces every opportunity she can to help mentor younger Airmen.

"I had a great mentor in my first sergeant, and that was able to help me a lot," the staff sergeant said.

She's now trying to do the same for other E-5s in the club.

"It's about setting an example for them," Fedrick said. "I tell them it's important to never do just the minimum - always do better."

This June marks Fedrick's sixth year in the Air Force, and it has led her down a life path that she never imagined when she enlisted at age 21.

"I could never imagine seeing myself where I am now," she said.

Fedrick hopes to continue to push herself in her career, and said the award is a good motivator and validation for her hard work.

As for her next milestone? Fedrick hopes to land an Airman Leadership School position in Germany - and make E-6 on her first try.

"That would be great," she said with a laugh.