49th MDG brings home AFMS, ACC hardware

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Sanjay Allen
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The Air Force Medical Service and Air Combat Command recently announced their annual award winners and the 49th Medical Group brought home nine of the 56 possible awards.

"I am very happy that the 49th MDG won nine out of 56 AFMS awards," said Capt. Joy Spillers, who was awarded the Group Practice Manager of the Year. "It proves to Holloman that you have some of the finest folks working to serve their medical needs in every way they can."

One of the medical group's finest, who was also recognized, was Senior Airman Lerma Orara -- the Physical Medicine Apprentice of the Year.

"We are so proud of Airman Orara and I can't even begin to express my pride in her as a first time supervisor," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Pemp. "In my years as a physical medicine technician, I have never witnessed an individual display the professionalism and dedication that she has displayed this past year. She is truly an inspiration to us all."

"I'm honored," said Airman Orara. "I never knew I would win this award, for me it seemed unreachable. I feel blessed and lucky for winning this award, and I am very thankful for all the support the MDG gave me. I never dreamed that all of my hard work would be recognized by such a prestigious award."

There were six other recipients and a team who were also recognized, making the haul a team effort.

"I believe working toward a common goal, empowering personnel to get the job done right the first time and having the support of our senior leaders are the main attributes toward the success of the 49th MDG," said Captain Spillers.

Sergeant Pemp said she witnessed, first-hand, the dedication of Holloman's medical group while she filled in as the executive assistant to the commander.

"I was blessed to bear witness to all the inner and outer functions and operations of this outstanding medical group," she said. "I have never seen a medical group accomplish so much with so little. Manning is strapped, yet each person gives 200 percent and provides a system of support for each and every co-worker, comrade and patient.

"Each and every one of the individuals selected at the command level were selected, in my opinion, because they provided the foundation and glue which strengthened the 49th MDG, ultimately enabling the combat capabilities of the 49th Wing and Air Combat Command," Sergeant Pemp added.

Other winners from the 49th MDG were:
Maj. Celestine Mararac, U.S. Air Force Clinical Excellence Field Grade Award
Capt. Rebecca Freeman, Col. P. Timothy Ray CGO Optometrist of the Year
Capt. Darren Nordin, Outstanding CGO Social Worker of the Year
Ms. Martha Blue, Health Benefits Advisor of the Year
Capt. Dawn Rose, Outstanding Medical Logistics CGO of the Year
Master Sgt. Brandy Bustillo, Medical Information Services Award Senior NCO of the Year
Outstanding Medical Logistics Small Activity Account of the Year