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April 6, 2010
Spokane Region Recognizes Armed Forces Persons of the Year
(Spokane, WA) - On Tuesday, April 6th the community took time to honor and thank those men and women who are serving in the military to protect our freedoms at the 54th Armed Forces Persons of the Year Awards. U.S. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers from the 5th Congressional District was the guest speaker at the event. Close to 250 individuals attended the Armed Forces Persons of the Year event at The Doubletree Hotel Spokane City Center.
The Armed Services Committee of Greater Spokane Incorporated organizes this event each year to honor the outstanding achievements of enlisted men and women in all branches of military service. The event was sponsored by Title Sponsor: Global Credit Union; Major Sponsor: Garco Construction, Inc.; and special thanks are given to Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
Judges considered the following criteria: responsibilities and accomplishments; ability of self-expression; appearance, poise and courtesy; leadership qualities; education and training; decorations, awards and honors; and community involvement and civic activities.
Candidates were interviewed by a panel of judges selected from business members belonging to Greater Spokane Incorporated. The judges interviewed a large number of nominated individuals from each branch of the service in the categories of Reserve/Guard E-1, Junior Enlisted (E1-E5); Reserve/Guard, Senior Enlisted (E6-E9); Active Duty, Junior Enlisted (E1-E5); and Active Duty, Senior Enlisted (E6-E9).
The list of nominees, all deserving of recognition:
RESERVE/GUARD
Junior Enlisted (E-1 through E-5)
Religious Programs Specialist Seaman David Ebel, United States Navy Reserve;
Senior Airman Joseph W. Sparks, Washington Air National Guard
Senior Enlisted (E-6 through E-9)
Technical Sergeant Michael S. Wirth, Washington Air National Guard;
Staff Sergeant Daniel R. Otero, United States Marine Corps Reserve;
Staff Sergeant Zach Wood, Washington Army National Guard
ACTIVE DUTY
Junior Enlisted (E-1 through E-5)
Senior Airman Christopher R. Tran, United States Air Force (Currently deployed);
Logistics Specialist Second Class (Aviation Warfare) Michael J. Schwenk, United States Navy;
Senior Airman Christopher DeJesus, United States Air Force;
Sergeant Christopher J. Altringer, United States Marine Corps
Senior Enlisted (E-6 through E-9)
Hospital Corpsman First Class (Surface Warfare/Field Marine Force) Jesus Orozco, United States Navy;
Senior Master Sergeant James M. Pittman, United States Air Force;
Sergeant First Class Donald J. Buckley, United States Army;
Technical Sergeant Amber L. Campbell, United States Air Force;
Gunnery Sergeant Adam Ruiz, United States Marine Corps
The recipients of the Persons of the Year Award, in each category, are:
RESERVE/GUARD CATEGORY:
JR. ENLISTED (E1-E5)
Recipient:
Senior Airman Joseph W. Sparks, Washington Air National Guard
Senior Airman Sparks is a member of the 141st Communications Flight where he serves as a Communications-Computer Systems Craftsman. He is an Honor graduate of the Communications Tech School and is the recipient of numerous awards and honors. He is known as a "self-starter" with a great "self-learning aptitude," always giving 100%. Described by his Commander as a "rare new personality" he came into an already seasoned, well functioning team and "raised the bar for even the well established members."
SR. ENLISTED (E6-E9)
Recipient:
Staff Sergeant Daniel R. Otero, United States Marine Corps Reserve
Daniel Otero is the Platoon Sergeant for the Guns Platoon for Papa Battery 5th Battalion 14th Marines, responsible for the safe movement and placement of the unit's howitzer systems. He is the direct supervisor for 60 Marines and 6 howitzers. An Iraq veteran with two tours, Staff Sergeant Otero is the recipient of numerous achievement medals and commendations, including the Iraq Campaign Medal. Captain J. M. Stevens says of Otero, "He is one of the best Marines and one of the best people with whom I have had the opportunity to work with in my ten years of service."
ACTIVE DUTY CATEGORY:
JR. ENLISTED (E1-E5)
Recipient:
Senior Airman Christopher DeJesus, United States Air Force
Senior Airman Christopher DeJesus is a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) Specialist with the 22nd Training Squadron of the United States Air Force Survival School at Fairchild Air Force Base. He instructs war fighters in combat SERE training where he leads academics and five day field exercises in remote wilderness locations under extreme climatic conditions. He is an expert in emergency parachuting and helicopter recovery tactics and procedures. Not only is he a role model for others to emulate but he consistently shows a compassion and dedication to his larger community.
SR. ENLISTED (E6-E9)
Recipient:
Technical Sergeant Amber L. Campbell, United States Air Force
As the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Survival Evasion Resistance & Escape (SERE) School Medical Administration, Technical Sergeant Amber Campbell is, in her Commander's words, "...the Unsung Hero of the medical flight." Whether managing the Squadron's 2.2 million dollar operating budget, reviewing security status on over 5,000 students and staff annually, administering the Medical Flight computer network, providing Search and Rescue medics with essential life saving equipment, supervising the Medical Administration section or acting as the Squadron First Sergeant, her infectious enthusiasm and unparalleled capacity for work is seen by all.
About Greater Spokane Incorporated
Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) is committed to accelerating regional economic prosperity throughout the Spokane region - an area that serves as the business and cultural hub of the Inland Northwest and supports a population of 1.4 million. GSI is the area's only Regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council, providing leadership to build a stronger economy since 1881. GSI is funded by more than 1,400 private-sector member investors; Washington State; Spokane County; and the cities of Spokane; Spokane Valley; Liberty Lake; Cheney; Airway Heights; Medical Lake; Newport and Millwood. For more information, visit www.greaterspokane.org or contact us at 509-624-1393 or 1-800-SPOKANE.
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