Annual Awards Banquet: McChord recognizes its best, brightest at ceremony

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tiffany Orr
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The 62nd Airlift Wing hosted its Annual Awards Banquet from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 1 at McChord's Clubs and Community Center.

The event, which honored the base's outstanding military and civilian achievers, was one of the best the 62nd AW has put on, said First Sergeant of the Year Master Sgt. Annette Sisseck, 62nd Maintenance Squadron.

"My impression is that it was one of the best organized ceremonies that I have attended," she said. "It had a good flow, and it wasn't lengthy."

Airman of the Year Senior Airman Marc Spangler, 62nd Communications Squadron, was similarly impressed. He said he was wowed from the outset of the event because each nominee got to walk beneath the base honor guard's sabers during a "sword's up" presentation.

"I got to showcase my wife and daughter," he said. "It was excellent."

However, the best part of the ceremony was being recognized for your accomplishments, said Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Foo, 62nd AW Protocol.

"I was in shock about winning," she said. "I'm still in shock. It's a big deal."

Each award recipient received a plaque commemorating his or her accomplishment as well as cash gifts from sponsors and different mementos such as coins, pens, a watch and other gift items, said one of the event's organizers Senior Master Sgt. James Byrnes, 62nd AW Plans and Programs.

The following individuals were annual award recipients:

--Airman of the Year
Senior Airman Marc Spangler, 62nd CS

-- Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Foo, 62nd AW Protocol

-- Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
Master Sgt. Mark Yurkovich, 62nd Medical Support Squadron

-- First Sergeant of the Year
Master Sgt. Annette Sisseck, 62nd MXS

-- Civilian of the Year (Category IA)
Timothy Gale, 62nd Civil Engineer Squadron

-- Civilian of the Year (Category IIA)
Donald Rosenberry, 62nd AW Antiterrorism office

-- Civilian of the Year (Category IB)
Alvie Sims, 62nd MXS

-- Civilian of the Year (Category IIB)
Denis Martin, 62nd Logistics Readiness Squadron

-- Civilian of the Year (Category III)
Gaylord Higa, 62nd CES

-- Junior Company Grade Officer of the Year
1st Lt. Scott Lee, 62nd Comptroller Squadron

-- Company Grade Officer of the Year
Capt. Kay Clodfelter, 62nd LRS

-- Key Spouse of the Year
Connie Tkach, 10th Airlift Squadron Key Spouse

Additionally, Carlene Joseph, Harborstone Credit Union, earned the Bryce Lilly Service Award. The award, which is named after decorated former Airman Bryce Lilly, is given to individuals who distinguish themselves through their public service.