PCC hosts annual awards ceremony

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrew Lee
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
The 14th Air Force Annual Awards Ball was held at the Pacific Coast Club here March 21. 

"The 14th Air Force has thousands of dedicated warriors who contribute to the fight year-round," said Chief Master Sgt. James MacKinley, the 14th Air Force command chief. "Our space war fighters clearly give the combatant commanders the edge they need to maintain dominance in the ever changing battle spaces we fight in. The 14th Air Force Annual Award Winners are the best of the best. Their records and accomplishments are impeccable." 

The 14th Air Force awarded seven of its members for the following awards:

Airman of Year: Senior Airman Joseph Soldano from the 460th Space Wing

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. John Chacon from the 30th Space Wing

Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Master Sgt. Troy Petit from the 30th Space Wing

First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Carl Tennyson from the 50th Space Wing

Company Grade Officer of the Year: 1st Lt. Lauren Neely from the 30th Space Wing

Civilian, Category I Award: Terri Waywell from the 30th Space Wing

Civilian, Category II Award: Mike Puleo from the 21st Space Wing.

The award recipients excelled in many areas in and out of their normal duties including dedication on the job, self development and community service.

"Going to school and volunteering my time in the community played a big part in being selected for the award," said Tech. Sgt. John Chacon, a facility manager for the 30th Space Wing headquarters building.

The 14th Air Force Annual Awards Ball began with a social-hour and dinner.

Following dinner, Lt. Gen. Larry James, the 14th Air Force commander, along with Chief MacKinley presented the awards. General James gave his appreciation for the hard work of the awardees in the closing remarks of the ceremony.

"The ceremony provided General James with the ability to reward this remarkable group of Airmen and civilians in a formal public gathering," Chief MacKinley said. "It gives the awardees the opportunity to meet with the 14th Air Force senior leadership and receive key briefings about professional development."