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First sergeants looking for “Diamond Sharp” individuals

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Mease
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The First Sergeants of the Desert Diamond Council recently created the Diamond Sharp Award to formally recognize joint service members for excellence in the ranks of E-1 through E-6 and their civilian counterparts.

"The first sergeants are looking for individuals who truly stand out amongst their peers," said Master Sgt. Jason Barrett, president of the Desert Diamond Council. "This award is reserved for those who go above and beyond their everyday tasks and responsibilities, commending the individuals for their hard work and dedication to mission first, people always."

The new award will be presented to two service members every month along with a coin and a certificate. Members are chosen for nomination by his or her respective first sergeant. The nomination can be for a specific achievement or sustained excellence.

"Each first sergeant that nominates a serviceman will explain to the council why their individual is 'Diamond Sharp,'" Barrett said. "The council will then vote on the nominees based on a predetermined set of criteria."

Mission permitting, every member of the council will travel to the recipients work center to surprise the individual and tell them how much they appreciate the individual's efforts in front of their coworkers, Barrett said.

"This is by far the best part of the process," Barrett said.

This month's Diamond Sharp Award winners are:
Tech. Sgt. Kennith Lewis, 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron
Staff Sgt. Melissa Clouatre, 379th Expeditionary Comptroller Squadron
Senior Airman Nicholas Reardon, 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron