Wing commander's call recognizes best of 2012

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mark Wyatt
  • 157th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
The 157th Air Refueling Wing recognized five outstanding performers earlier this month in front of wing personnel and their families at the annual commander's call.

Airman of the Year
Airman 1st Class Joy Dewitt, an aircrew flight equipment journeyman with the 157th Operations Support Flight was recognized as the Airman of the Year.

In addition to completing upgrade training to a 5-level, DeWitt completed a demanding four schools necessary for accreditation towards becoming an aircrew flight equipment instructor. DeWitt also is a full-time student at the University of New Hampshire.

She served as a subject matter expert for aircrew flight equipment exchange during an international visit to El Salvador. During the visit, DeWitt participated in an exchange with the Salvadoran Air Force that fostered positive international relations and showcasing the 157th Air Refueling Wing to the people of El Salvador.

DeWitt also volunteered to fill a short notice deployment to the CENTCOM AOR in June 2012. She supported combat flight operations and provided aircrew flight equipment to more than 750 combat sorties that ensured 100 percent mission success.

DeWitt routinely assists those returning from deployments in offloading bags and cargo without regard to time.

Airman DeWitt is an active member of the base honor guard team completing more than 120 funerals, flag presentations and official ceremonies honoring fallen military veterans and their families throughout New England. Additionally, she serves as a big sister in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast program and is also a Pease Kids Corps volunteer.

NCO of the Year
Tech. Sgt. Mitchell Boden, NCO in charge of the Readiness Flight for the 64th Air Refueling Squadron, was recognized the NCO of the Year.

As a result of his diligence in ensuring deployment readiness was achieved, Boden received several awards throughout the year for his outstanding accomplishments.

Boden was responsible for securing unit deployment manager school positions for several new Air National Guard mobility staff that resulted in a significant savings to the Air National Guard.

In addition, he managed successfully 34 CENTCOM and CONUS tasking's for 117 Pease airmen.

Boden was also credited with and leading the restructuring of the squadron's physical training program. He enabled more than 130 members to pass with an average 98 percent score.

Boden completed several courses towards a management bachelor's degree. He also completed several professional military education classes.

Finally, Boden is active in the community. He supported the Special Olympics, worked with local middle school students on community project and participated in the United Way's Day of Caring. Boden was recognized as the volunteer of the month during a Veterans Day speech at a local school.

First Sergeant of the Year
Master Sgt. Deborah Tzrinske, from the 157th Maintenance Squadron, was selected as the First Sgt. of the Year.

Tzrinske participated in several community projects, such as volunteering for additional training with her civilian employer that allows her to help restore power to New Hampshire communities during natural disasters.

In addition, she is a member of the Air Force Sergeant's Association, an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Legion Hall in Rochester and routinely volunteers to participate in parades, memorials as well as homecomings.

Tzrinske is the First Sergeant to the New Hampshire Air National Guard's largest squadron. She is responsible for ensuring the total force integration and effective morale, welfare and discipline of more than 200 military members.

While deployed as the First Sergeant, she spearheaded a critical plan for more than 100 personnel from two separate organizations. Her proactive approach enabled the jointly formed organization to operate as one from start to finish.

Additionally as First Sergeant, she provides the commander with timely and accurate counsel on personnel issues. She works long, irregular hours to assure she remains in contact with all maintenance group personnel who work second and third shifts.

Finally, Tzrinske demonstrates fitness motivation and dedication by setting the standard for squadron personnel.

Senior NCO of the Year
Senior Master Sgt. Michael Ploof, 157th Civil Engineering Squadron base facility manager and superintendent of operations, was selected as the Senior NCO of the Year.

Ploof leads more than 70 personnel who perform wing wide work 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

As the base facility manager, Ploof is responsible for $1 billion in facilities and masterfully managed four base budgets totaling $3.6 million.

In addition, he manages the base's largest government vehicle fleet. As the squadron unit training manager, Ploof is responsible for civil engineer work, personnel issues, inspections and critical information.

He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Business management, completed his third Community College of the Air Force degree in Production Management, completed his five and seven skill-levels in minimum time and completed the Defense Acquisition University contract management courses.

Finally, Ploof is the president of the Minuteman Fund, vice-president of Missions End, active member in the winter carnival and in the military ball committees. He is also active in the Air Force Sergeant's Association and the New Hampshire Enlisted Association.

Company Grade Officer of the Year
Capt. Eric Galliher, 157th Air Refueling Wing Tanker Task Force Coronet detail planner, was selected as the Company Grade Officer of the Year.

Lauded by his commander as a "self-starter" and "emergent dynamic leader," that is dedicated to the mission and recognized for excellence at all levels.

Galliher was instrumental in more than 20 Coronet missions completed and 182 combat aircraft moved into combat zones in support of the CVENTCOM commander. He was also responsible for 4.2 million pounds of fuel passed to receivers that resulted in a 100 percent mission success.

Responsible for as many as 40 aircrew and ground support personnel, Galliher is responsible for mission timing, briefings and coordination with ACC and TACC.

Galliher was recognized by General Raymond Johns, Air Mobility Command commander, and Maj. Gen. Frederick Martin, Air Mobility Command director of operations, in recognition for efficient and effective planning at the Coronet Planning Conference at Scott Air Force Base.

In addition, he organized a silent auction in support of fellow wing member whose daughter was diagnosed leukemia. Galliher raised more than $10,000 to offset medical expenses.

Has been a constant volunteer with the Angelwish, a charitable organization with the mission to grant wished to children that living with diseases around the world.