HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Members of Holloman AFB gathered to honor the 49th Wing’s annual award winners
who were greeted by Col. Ryan Keeney, 49th Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Temple, 49th Wing command chief, with awards for exceptional performance throughout the year, March 4, here.
To win at the Wing level, nominees first compete and win at the squadron then group levels. Each group then nominates one person for each of the award categories to be reviewed by the Wing’s selection board. The selection board grades each nominee based on their technical expertise, demonstration of leadership and job performance.
Airman of the Year:
Senior Airman Emily Pizzello, 49th MSG
Noncommissioned Officer of the Year:
Staff Sgt. Hailey Gibbs, 49th MDG
Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year:
Master Sgt. Louis Cotter, 54th FG
First Sergeant of the Year:
Senior Master Sgt. David Pennington, 49th MSG
Company-grade Officer of the Year:
Capt. Brodie Hicks, 49th MSG
Field-grade Officer of the Year:
Maj. Marcus Anthony, 49th OG
Civilian Category I of the Year:
Ms. Talesha Harvin, 49th MSG
Civilian Category II (Non-supervisory) of the Year:
Mr. Norman Bloom, 49th MSG
Civilian Category II (Supervisory) of the Year:
Mr. William Payseno, 49th MXG
Civilian Category III (Non-supervisory) of the Year:
Mr. Bobby Middleton, 49th MDG
Civilian Category III (Supervisory) of the Year:
Mrs. Karen Wilkerson, 49th Wing Staff Agency
Honor Guardsman of the Year:
Senior Airman Hayden Maddox, 49th MSG
Key Spouse of the Year:
Jessica Manco, 49th MSG
Military Training Leader of the Year:
Tech. Sgt. Austin Santos, 49th OG
Volunteer of the Year:
Master Sgt. Ming Lee, 49th MSG
Instructor Pilot of the Year:
Capt. Patrick A. Mayfield, 54th FG
Small Unit of the Year – 49th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, 49th MDG
Large Unit of the Year –49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 49th MXG