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Ninth Air Force names best for 2007

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Bryan Franks
  • 33rd Fighter Wing public affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 9th Air Force recognized Airmen who went above and beyond during the 9th Air Force's 2007 Annual Award ceremony at Embassy Suites in Destin, Fla. March 6. Air Force members from around the Air Force cheered on Airmen from their perspective 9th AF bases to see who was selected as the best of the best for 2007.

"Over the past year, 9th Air Force personnel have deployed heavily throughout the Central Command theater and they've supplied the nucleus of the Central Air Force operation, the Combined Air Operations Center," said Capt. Eddie Adams, 33rd Fighter Wing and co-master of ceremonies for the annual awards. "Back home, 9th AF is comprised of six dynamic wings located in the eastern United States and three direct reporting units, with more than 350 aircraft and 24,000 active duty and civilian personnel." 

There were 58 Airmen recognized for their accomplishments and service to the Air Force, but only a handful would walk away as the annual award winners in the categories of best Airman, non-commissioned officer, senior noncommissioned officer, first sergeant, company grade officer, field grade officer and civilian category I and II. 

The winners are: Airman Category - Senior Airman Adam LaBarr, 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.; NCO Category - Staff Sgt. Thomas Blandino, 4th FW at Seymour Johnson AFB; SNCO Category - Master Sgt. Tammy Turnbull, Headquarters 9th AF at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.; First Sergeant Category - Master Sgt. Pamela Hadsell, 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Va.; CGO Category - Capt. Laura Chavez, 1st FW at Langley AFB; Civ Cat I Category - Mr. William Johnston, 1st FW at Langley AFB and Civ Cat II Category - Mr. Robert Le Fever, 23rd Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

"The Ninth Air Force has played a pivotal role in the United States endeavor, championing the critical mission of projecting decisive air and space power for United States Central Command and America," said Senior Master Sgt. Rob Hudson, Headquarters 9th AF and co-master of ceremonies.

"Congratulations to those who were selected as 9th Air Force's best. These Airmen exemplify what is best about today's Air Force. Command Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff and I, along with the airmen of 9th Air Force, their families and friends, are very proud of our award recipients," said Lt. Gen. Gary North, commander, 9th Air Force.