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AFA recognizes local military, civilians at luncheon
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- More than 400 people packed Vandenberg's Pacific Coast Club March 29 for the 23rd annual awards luncheon held by the Air Force Association's Robert H. Goddard Chapter No. 266.
Goddard Chapter recognized individuals, units, and community partners were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Vandenberg Community and for supporting its many and varied missions.
The Goddard Chapter president, retired Col. Dave Richardson, opened the luncheon with a few words about the selection process and said how difficult it was to choose the 20 winners from over 70 outstanding packages they received.
In keeping with military tradition, retired Chief Master Sgt. Norm Marous and Airman Vincente Valdovinos, two guardsmen of Vandenberg's Honor Guard, provided a POW/MIA tribute honoring those who could not be present to celebrate, which served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices the men and women make in today's armed forces.
Col. Steve Tanous, 30th Space Wing commander, along with retired Brig. Gen. Ralph Tourino, Goddard Chapter board chairman, handed out the awards.
After presenting the final award, Colonel Tanous congratulated all of the winners and nominees and thanked those who organized the luncheon. He stressed the importance of "staying involved in wing and community activities because everyone benefits in the end."
Those who would like to get involved with the Air Force Association and give support in putting together any annual events can email membership@afa-goddard.org or go to the Goddard Chapter website at www.afa-goddard.org.
THE AWARDSÂ
California AFA Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
Tech. Sgt. Sheila White
30th Space Wing Family Support Center
Outstanding Civil Air Patrol Cadet of the Year
Cadet 2nd Lt. Robert Fredericksen
Aerospace Teacher of the Year
Greg Eisen
Cabrillo H.S.
The AFA Meritorious Service Award went to the following individuals:
Don French, Christine Nelson, Vaughn Hopkins, Lee Barnby and Denny Laws
The AFA Exceptional Service Award went to the following individuals:
Pete Caputo, Kris Andrews, Don Anderson and Cheryl McGuffin
The AFA President's Award went to:
Denise Laliberte
The AFA Presidential Service Award went to the following individuals:
John Ransome, Norm Marous and John Chard
The President's Exceptional Service Award went to the following individuals:
Kristie Stavoli, Dayna Castro, Paulette Taylor and Larry Gooch
Outstanding Community Service - Individual
Staff Sgt. David Brown
381st Training Support Squadron
Outstanding Community Service - Organization
381st Training Support Squadron
Outstanding Space and Missile Operations
Master Sgt. Michael Keating
2nd Range Operations Squadron
1st Lt. Ryan Thomas
2nd Range Operations Squadron
Steven C. Rau
4th Space Launch Squadron
Outstanding Space and Missile Support
Master Sgt. Rodney Frotz
4th Space Launch Squadron
Capt. Mark Degenhardt
4th Space Launch Squadron
Binh Tran
381st Training Support Squadron
Richard Vassaur
4th Space Launch Squadron
Outstanding Engineer of the Year
Capt. Robert Beal
30th Launch Support Squadron
Thomas Stevens
4th Space Launch Squadron
Kevin Ferguson
4th Space Launch Squadron
Outstanding Host Unit - Large
30th Space Communications Squadron
Outstanding Host Unit - Small
30th Operations Support Squadron
Outstanding Tenant Unit - Large
533rd Training Squadron
Outstanding Tenant Unit - Small
532d Training Squadron
Outstanding Contractor - Team
bd Systems / SAIC
Outstanding Contractor - Team
Joseph McNeil
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems
Outstanding Technical Trainer
Staff Sgt. Kimberly Watkins
30th Launch Support Squadron
Capt. Franklin Adams
532nd Training Squadron