Warrior of the Week/ SrA Ashley Daraklis

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan—Senior Airman Ashley receives the Warrior of the Week award from Chief Master Sgt. Marcus Snoddy at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Jan. 20, 2012. Daraklis is an aviation resource manager with the 119th Expeditionary Force Squadron and received the Warrior of the Week award for her hard work and dedication to excellence.(U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom)

Warrior of the Week/SSgt Angie Gimenez

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan-- Staff Sgt. Angie Gimenez organizes awards paperwork at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Jan. 19, 2012. Gimenez is the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Commander Support Section of the 817th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron. She is deployed from Joint Base Lewis-McChord 1st Air Support Operations Group and earned Warrior of the Week; an award designed to recognize superior Airmen’s hard work and commitment to excellence. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom)

Warrior of the Week/ SSgt. Todd Thomas

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan—Staff Sgt. Todd Thomas examines a piece of engineering equipment at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Jan. 7, 2012. Thomas is the vehicle control officer for the 577th Expeditionary Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force Squadron and is deployed from 911th Civil Engineer Squadron, Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station, Pa. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom)

Warrior of the Week

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan—Technical Sgt. Richard Rudisil, 455th Expeditionary Wing, ground safety manager, heads out on a safety inspection, at Bagram Airfield, Dec. 23, 2011. Rudisil is the Ground Safety Manager for the 455th Expeditionary Wing and hails from Mountain Home Air Force Base.(U.S. Air Force photo/ A1C Ericka Engblom)

Warrior of the Week

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Senior Airman Jenna Herber, medical laboratory technician, sorts bags of blood at the Craig Joint Theater Hospital, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec 17, 2011. Herber was named Warrior of the Week for her exemplary performance in her field. She has been deployed to Bagram since October and is stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom)

Warrior of the Week, A1C Mary Fisher

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Chief Master Sgt. Marcus Snoddy, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing command chief, congratulates the Warrior of the Week, Airman 1st Class Mary Fisher, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle phase journeyman, for her hard work and dedication Dec. 12, 2011. Fisher is deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., and is a native of Rensselaer, Ind. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Krista Rose)

Warrior of the week

Staff Sgt. Cody Engelke, an engineering journeyman assigned to the 577th Expeditionary Prime BEEF Squadron, conducts a site survey of a new facility at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, July 6, 2010. The site is scheduled to be the future location for transient quarters. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

Warrior of the Week

Senior Airman Eve Seymour is this week‘s 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Warrior of the Week. She is a Reception, Replacement, Return-to-Duty, Rest and Recuperation and Redeployment team specialist deployed from the 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., assigned to the U.S. Army’s 510TH Human Resource Company. As a R5 specialist, Airman Seymour’s duties include the management and execution of support activities involved in tracking and verifying the accountability of Soldiers moving into, through or out of a theater. The five “R’s” describe the major activities that cause Soldiers and civilians to enter, depart or transit a deployed area of responsibility. R5 processing centers operate on a 24/7 basis and are responsible for the data collection of personnel information, documenting theater status and integration of personnel into the theater database. Her supervision nominated Airman Seymour because of her dedication to duty and can-do attitude as she assists over 1,387 people daily who transit through the Bagram Air Field personnel terminal, the largest of its kind in Afghanistan. She fields a myriad of questions from Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and civilians to help them locate their luggage, procure billeting and contact their units. (U.S. Air Force photo by/ Master Sgt. Jeromy K. Cross/released)

Warrior of the Week

Airman 1st Class Janil Gale is this week’s 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Warrior of the Week. He is a perimeter security Airman assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and deployed from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. A Kankakee, Ill., native, Airman Gale provides perimeter security for all personnel and equipment assigned to Bagram Airfield. He provides over watch from tower and rolling patrol missions in and around the airfield perimeter. When asked his feeling on being named warrior of the week, Airman Gale responded, “I didn’t even know I was nominated, but it feels really good.” Airman Gale said his job is important because he and his fellow Defenders provide protection for more than 20,000 Bagram Airfield residents and allow them to “sleep safe at night.” He was nominated for the warrior of the week honor by his supervision who stated, “During the attack on May, 19 2010, Airman Gale along with his team leader, responded to gunfire while posted in Alpha Sector near Entry Control Point One. They began taking heavy fire. The team quickly took command and marshaled several civilian contractors behind cover. Airman Gale moved toward the threat at the direction of his team lead in an attempt to assist two other Defender’s who were pinned down behind a non-tactical vehicle. The vehicle took heavy damage from fire. After discussing a plan of action Airman Gale and his team leader tactically approached four enemy along perimeter road while they received suppressing fire from a Defender M-249 machine gun. As they approached they observed two of the four enemy were wounded. They advised the wounded enemy to stay down. As they did so one of the remaining enemy reached to detonate a suicide vest while the other attempted to fire upon them. He and his team returned fire and neutralized all remaining enemy. (U.S. Air Force photo by/ Staff Sgt. Richard Williams)

Warrior of the Week

Tech. Sgt. Jared Wilson is this week’s 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Warrior of the Week. He is the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of maintenance management for the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, and deployed from the 92nd Maintenance Group, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. A Vacaville, Calif., native, Sergeant Wilson provides maintenance analysis to show trends and improve maintenance performance. He identifies trends in problematic aircraft and records data to reflect health of fleet and combat sortie production ensuring maximum mission output for Bagram Airfield aircraft. He is also the vehicle control officer for more than 100 vehicles assigned to the 455th EMXG. When asked about being nominated as Warrior of the Week, Sergeant Wilson said he was humbled to have the honor bestowed upon him. “I see a lot of Airmen doing a lot of things,” he said. “And it is humbling.” Sergeant Wilson says his job is important because he keeps the vehicles rolling and ensures data integrity for all close air support aircraft maintenance. He was nominated for this honor by his management team who said Sergeant Wilson is a great leader and performer who gives 110 percent every day to ensure the mission is not interrupted. When the EMXG was faced with a significant bus shortage due to several accidents, he immediately coordinated with the 455th Logistics Readiness Squadron to replace the buses in less than 24 hours. His efforts ensured the maintainers had safe and reliable transportation to and from work enabling seamless personnel shift changes and no negative impacts to the mission. Sergeant Wilson revamped the Health of Fleet presentation and incorporated it for the new MC-12W squadron’s critical performance data and his efforts were praised by U.S. Air Forces Central. (U.S. Air Force photo by/ Master Sgt. Jeromy K. Cross/released)

Warrior of the Week

Senior Airman Danielle Acosta is this week’s 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Warrior of the Week. She is an aerospace medicine technician deployed from the 349th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. and is a Tracy, Calif. native. Airman Acosta works for the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility located at the Craig Joint Theater Hospital. She provides support and continuity of medical care for patient movement. Airman Acosta also provides patient reception and treatment while they are at the CASF. She also directs mission launch and recovery of patients to and from a variety of coalition aircraft. Airman Acosta was surprised she had even been nominated for the wing honor. “We do our job to do it not for the recognition.” She also explained the importance of her job saying, if it was not for the work completed by her and her team members at the CASF, critically wounded patients may have a more difficult time getting to life saving medical care. Her supervision highlighted some of her accomplishments here by saying, Airman Acosta has performed exemplary as the Mission NCO (“Bulldog”) for Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) missions for the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility. Her facility serves as the hub for all patient movement within the entire Afghanistan AOR and evacuation to locations outside of the theater of operations. This week, she spearheaded the team that launched and recovered 17 AE missions (3 ISAF missions), involving 117 patients to include 19 critically injured and this rotation’s first ever K-9 “working-dog” patient. She was chosen to be the distinguished visitor briefer for the CASF briefing 2 distinguished visitor tours, including the new 455 AEW Commander. Highly self motivated, she took it upon herself to reorganize the CASF’s storage container to capitalize on the storage space available for over 7,000 pounds of patient baggage, medical supplies and donated items to make room for additional items to support the surge. Her “can-do,” “will-do” attitude has been a force multiplier in the successful movement of over 2200 patients since January 2010 which is a 250% increase from the same time period in 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by/ Master Sgt. Jeromy K. Cross/released)

Warrior of the Week

Senior Airman Jordan Saunders is this week’s 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Warrior of the Week. He is an MC-12W Liberty sensor operator deployed from the 16th Air Command and Control Squadron, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. As a sensor operator, Airman Saunders provides ground commanders with real time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance which helps expand their situational awareness. He also assists ground forces in counter-IED efforts, enemy pattern of life analysis, target development, and ground and helicopter assault force execution. “I appreciate leadership nominating me for this award,” said Airman Saunders. He was quick to point out that his winning this award was a reflection of the team he works with because he feels although won this honor he could not complete the mission without the Airmen around him. When asked why he thought his job was important Airman Saunders replied, “I support the guy on the ground with full motion video and battlespace awareness.” He is proud to potentially save lives with the mission he flies. Airman Saunders’ management said, he has had an enormous impact on the 4 ERS, especially in his efforts to accelerate the stand-up and full combat readiness of this unit. With respect to his time in service, he has demonstrated uncommon maturity and initiative in tackling many of the tough challenges of fully employing the new MC-12W weapon system. Although new to the MC-12 program himself, his capabilities became readily apparent and resulted in his early selection as an instructor, squadron certifier, and informal mentor of our younger sensor operators. In these roles, Airman Saunders has taught and shaped our newest sensor operators to be fully combat ready. His commitment to excellence was readily apparent as he developed innovative solutions to some of our most complex tactical challenges. His self-developed tactics, techniques, and procedures have enhanced squadron safety while significantly improving the ISR service we have provided on over 300 combat sorties. His strong leadership and character have been critical to the 4th ERS’ success here. (U.S. Air Force photo by/ Tech. Sgt. Jeromy K. Cross/released)

Warrior of the Week Senior Airman Kristine Spence

Senior Airman Kristine Spence is the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Warrior of the Week. She is a biomedical equipment technician assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Medical Group/Task Force Medical and is deployed from the 60th Medical Support Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. Airman Spence’s primary duties include installation, repair and calibration of medical equipment for the Craig Joint Theater Hospital and supporting coalition medical facilities on Bagram Airfield. Since arriving, Airman Spence has been a vital component to mission success. She installed equipment and created power sources which increased the Craig Joint Theater Hospitals patient care capability by 38 percent. She also completed 30 percent of the total repair workload, completing 41 scheduled and 9 priority repairs in her first 30 days on station. When asked her feelings on being named Warrior of the Week, Airman Spence replied, “I am excited about it. It is an honor to think I was even considered.” “We keep the hospital running,” she said. She added without the equipment she and her crew maintain, the hospital staff would not be able to provide the quality care their patients need. For her nomination, Airman Spence’s supervision stated she recently won Air Force Level Biomedical Equipment Airman of the Year in 2009. Since she has arrived, Airman Spence has impressed her supervisors with her professionalism and positive attitude which also earned her Squadron Airman of the month January 2010. Airman Spence is also a victim advocate for the 455th AEW Sexual Assault Response Coordination Office and a member of the 455th EMDG quick reaction force. (U.S. Air Force photo by/ Tech. Sgt. Jeromy K. Cross/released)

Warrior of the Week

The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Warrior of the Week is Senior Airman Alexandria Pickering, 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. She is an aviation resource manager deployed from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Airman Pickering’s primary duties include preparing and processing flight authorizations as well as enduring all air crew qualifications are maintained and monitored. The San Diego, Ca. native was nominated by her supervision who stated, she demonstrates exceptional knowledge of day to day duties, and goes above and beyond the minimum required of her. Since joining the 4th ERS, she has displayed remarkable initiative by streamlining seven aircrew functions provided to preflight aircrews. Her efforts were tested recently as Squadron operations expanded fivefold with zero overlooked requirements. Airman Pickering also manages several additional duties that require her attention on a daily basis to include UCC Representative and Building Facility Manager. She also made a selfless commitment to the entire 455th community by vowing to help others in times of crisis when she chose to become a victim advocate for the SARC. She eagerly attended the day long training which happened to take place on the same day as one of her Battle Rhythm Days. She also works diligently to remain combat ready by following a strict health and fitness regimen.

Warrior of the Week

Staff Sgt. Kerchell Strong is a knowledge operations manager assigned to the 955th Air Expeditionary Squadron and is deployed from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Her primary duty is to provide administrative support to more than 300 Joint Expeditionary Tasked Airmen dispersed throughout the Afghanistan area of operations. She provides expert assistance on Electronic Records Management, SharePoint and Community of Practice issues. A New York, N.Y. native, Sergeant Strong also processes Letters of Evaluation, Enlisted and Officer Performance Reports and monitors the squadron’s awards and decorations program and is the site manager for the squadron’s electronic information avenues. “I am flattered,” said Sergeant Strong. “I did not expect people to think my job was that important.” She added that her job was important because it ensures that U.S. and coalition forces have the proper administrative support to accomplish the command and control mission. Sergeant Strong’s leadership sited her as an exemplary Knowledge Operator/Client Systems Administrator. During a relatively short time on Bagram, she repaired critical loading errors on numerous Secret Internet Protocol computers, returning all to operational status within 24 hours. Her meticulous attention to detail was the key to enforcing procedures necessary to establish local area network and electronic mail accounts ensuring the activation of local user accounts in less than 24 hours. Additionally, Sergeant Strong’s proactive work ethic prevented data loss when she single-handedly copied and saved 75 squadron-level electronic files, providing disaster recovery and ensuring 100 percent accountability. She developed a comprehensive letter of evaluation checklist, streamlining the squadron process and reduced evaluation errors by 80 percent. Finally, she spear-headed the squadron’s filing system conversion, reducing man hours and network availability by 60 percent via electronic scanning and storage.

455th AEW Warrior of the Week Senior Airman Katie Hinson

Senior Airman Katie Hinson provides the full spectrum of emergency medical treatment for U.S. servicemembers, coalition forces, civilian contractors, Afghan National Army/Police and local nationals. She is involved in caring for patients with injuries ranging from minor lacerations to major life-threatening traumas. She helps receive patients from MEDEVAC missions and provides stabilization in preparation for surgical procedures or transfer to the Intensive Care Unit and Ward. She also assists with the treatment of various medical complaints to include respiratory illnesses and chest pain. In addition, SrA Hinson has stepped up to work beyond her primary duties by taking on the vital responsibility of Flight Infection Control Monitor. In this role, she oversees proper adherence to the infection control standards, conducts monthly inspections and briefings to ensure the safety of patients and 18 staff members. “I am honored to be named as this week’s warrior,” said Airman Hinson. “We get our patients right off the grid. After they are field treated we are the first ones to give care to the injured.” Airman Hinson’s leadership notes exemplifies excellence in all she does. She is committed to performing her job to the best of her ability, and is extremely eager to learn new skills. She continually goes above and beyond in providing care for every patient she encounters. She is a superb medic and a valuable asset to the Emergency Department and Craig Joint Theater Hospital. Her efforts are a key factor in protecting the health of personnel at Bagram and ensuring the delivery of life-saving care to wounded warriors.

Warrior of the Week

Tech. Sgt. Staci L. Schouest, 455th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron noncommissioned officer-in-charge of current operations, is this week’s Warrior of the Week. Tech. Sgt. Schouest manages situation reports for eight fixed wing flying squadrons and two support squadrons. She also consolidates flying schedules for all 455th Air Expeditionary Wing fixed wing flying squadrons and two combat search and rescue helicopter squadrons. She tracks all squadron inbound personnel and arranges travel for all outbound personnel. Whether performing her duties, tracking the AEW flight hours, working to arrange travel for redeploying Airmen or mentoring younger Airmen, TSgt Schouest engages all tasks head on with an enthusiastic attitude and does not stop until the task is complete. TSgt Schouest has gone above and beyond by learning tasks outside her primary career field, then using this knowledge to mentor Airmen in her charge, helping them to succeed. TSgt Schouest is the perfect example of the Air Forces Core Values and is highly deserving of this honor. Tech. Sgt. Schouest is deployed from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeromy Cross)

Warrior of the Week

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Senior Airman Frances Castillo, a transportation specialist from the 755th Air Expeditionary Group, is Warrior of the Week. Airman Castillo arranged passenger movement for more than 1,900 Joint Expeditionary Tasked Airmen, has great customer service, is an outstanding team player, encourages others, and still finds time to attend college. Airman Castillo is deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and hails from Puerto Rico. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Felicia Juenke)

Warrior of the Week

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Senior Airman Matthew R. Smythe, an Intelligence Journeyman from the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, is Warrior of the Week. Airman Smythe provides pre-mission intelligence research, briefings, and graphics for Close Air Support sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His meticulous preparation of daily mission folders and execution of pre-mission briefs supports a breakneck operations tempo and ensures crews have all the information required for mission success. Airman Smythe is deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah and hails from Trenton, N.J. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Felicia Juenke)

Warrior of the Week

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Senior Airman Susan Tracy, a radio and television broadcaster with 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Office, is Warrior of the Week. Airman Tracy is a native of the San Mateo, Calif., and is deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. She provides video and broadcast products for the wing as well as international media outlets. Her supervisors nominated her because she routinely works 12-15 hours a day and goes above and beyond what is expected of her for her rank. Airman Tracy is also active in her off-duty hours promoting the wing Public Affairs Office and its mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. John Jung)

Warrior of the Week

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Tech Sgt. Randall Bagtas, the lodging supervisor from the 455th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, is Warrior of the Week. Sergeant Bagtas is from Charleston, S.C., and is deployed from Barksdale Air Force Base, La. He was the sole architect for changing out more than 900 lockers giving more privacy to Airmen living at Camp Cunningham. His lightning reaction in securing more than 100 cots for departing A-10 maintenance crews directly contributed to BAF's ability to sustain close air support sorties, potentially saving the lives of troops in contact with the enemy. His supervisor nominated him because he always the first to jump in and do whatever is necessary to maintain outstanding customer service. He redefines exceptional. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Felicia Juenke)

Warrior of the Week

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Staff Sgt. Bonnie Carrender, an intelligence specalist with 455th Expeditionary Operations Group, is Warrior of the Week. Sergeant Carrender is from Lancaster, Pa., and is deployed from Pennsylvania Air National Guard, based in Middletown, Pa. She provides intelligence support for C-130 flight crews and ensures they are cognizant of critical information that may affect the mission. Her supervisors nominated her because she is a Top-notch NCO that regularly works 12-15 hours a day and goes above and beyond what is expected of her. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. John Jung)

This won't hurt a bit

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Master Sgt. Sean Roberts, 455th Expeditionary Medical Group, is the Warrior of the Week and a critical care technician in the Intensive Care Unit at the Craig Joint Theater Hospital. His job entails care for U.S., Coalition and Afghan patients. Sergeant Roberts is deployed from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio and is a native of Tampa, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Felicia Juenke)

I can fix that

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Airman 1st Class Bradley Cox, 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, vehicle maintence apprentice, is the warrior of the week, nominated by Senior Master Sgt. Ricky Nelson, the superintendant of vehicle maintenance. Airman Cox, deployed from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., works noon to midnight and has been at Bagram Airfield for only two weeks. However, Airman Cox has helped repair four of the seven 60K loaders that are on BAF, keeping cargo moving at one of the busiest airfields in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Felicia Juenke)