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Awards banquet celebrates diversity, heritage

Event celebrated Rainier Wing's historic contributions

Winners from the 446th Airlift Wing annual awards banquet. The event recognized significant contributions of its Air Force Reservists and civilian workers April 7 at the Temple Theater in Tacoma. Photo credit: 446th Airlift Wing

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The 446th Airlift Wing held its annual awards banquet to honor significant contributions of its Air Force Reservists, civilian workers April 7 at the Temple Theater in Tacoma.

The event celebrated the Rainier Wing's historic World War II-era contributions to the nation's security as well as diversity.

"As we celebrate our history at the awards banquet, we are also celebrating the strides made for diversity and inclusion in the Air Force," said Command Chief Master Sgt. Kenellias Smith. "Today, the Air Force believes diversity encompasses all aspects of an individual to including race, religion, ethnicity, gender, experience and perspectives. Diversity is one of the truest reflections of our nation's ideals, and part of the fabric of our military."

Awardees who demonstrated standout excellence for 2018 were recognized by the wing with quarterly, annual, and unit-level honors. Other award recipients were acknowledged at the Air Force Reserve Command higher headquarters level.

Airman of the Year
Staff Sgt. Francis Kim, 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
Staff Sgt. Nicholas Mauser, 446th Operations Support Squadron

Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
Master Sgt. Benjamin Lee, 97th Airlift Squadron

Company Grade Officer of the Year
Capt. Audrea Bentley, 446th ASS

Field Grade Officer of the Year
Maj. Robert Frantzen, 36th Aerial Port Squadron

First Sergeant
Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Morris, 86th Aerial Port Squadron

Civilian of the Year, Category I
Mr. Eric Rhea, 446th Maintenance Squadron

Civilian of the Year, Category II
Mr. Heriberto Maldonado, 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Civilian of the Year, Category III
Ms. Barb Henson, 446th Airlift Wing Staff

Air Force Reserve Command Awards

AFRC/A1 Civilian Technician of the Year (Non-Supervisory, Installation level)
Ms. Sabrina Bailey

AFRC Lieutenant General Leo Marquez and Maintenance Effectiveness Award, Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Senior Airman Adam Olander, 446th AMS

U.S. Armed Forces Triathlon Championship Female Silver Medal & Women's Team Gold, And International Military Sports Council, Senior Women's Gold & Senior Combined Team Silver
Maj. Judy Coyle, 728th Airlift Squadron

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