62d Airlift Wing Celebrates 2025 Annual Award Winners

U.S. Air Force Col. John Berger, 62d Airlift Wing Deputy commander, left, Senior Airman Diadie Cisse, 62d Comptroller Squadron financial technician and 2025 62d AW Airman of the Year, center, and Chief Master Sgt. Mathew Hill, 62d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Chief Enlisted leader, right, pose for a photo at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, March 6, 2026. Cisse is from Colorado and provides financial customer service support, processes transactions, and offers advice to all levels of leadership, and to the over 2,000 Airmen stationed at JBLM. “This award represents the trust my coworkers and supervisors show in me and the work we do, and I am grateful for the opportunity,” said Cisse. “I come to work everyday with the belief that I can help other people to the best of my abilities in however little way possible. Whether you win an award or not, I take pride in the fact that what we do helps someone, somewhere. I feel honored.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Colleen Anthony)

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62d Airlift Wing Celebrates 2025 Annual Award Winners

U.S. Air Force Col. John Berger, 62d Airlift Wing Deputy commander, left, Tech. Sgt. Brett Hoeltje, 62d Maintenance Squadron expediter and 2025 62d AW Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, center, and Chief Master Sgt. Mathew Hill, 62d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Chief Enlisted leader, right, pose for a photo at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, March 6, 2026. Hoeltje is from West Virginia and is responsible for coordinating and facilitating maintenance actions for the 62 AW’s C-17 Globemaster III fleet at JBLM and internationally, with a priority on mission readiness. “This award is an honor to receive because it is proof that when people take care of people, the mission is a complete success,” said Hoeltje. “For myself, “pride” is my why. When I wake up everyday and put on my uniform, I remember what the words “U.S. Air Force” means and the country it represents. We are the highest level of air superiority in the world and that is something to be proud of. Firstly, I would like to thank my leadership teams along the way for the support and belief in me. Secondly, I would like to thank my peers and troops for allowing me to be their leader. Without them, one man would not be able to get the job done. Lastly, I would like to thank my friends and family for giving me the support system needed to sustain this performance.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Colleen Anthony)

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62d Airlift Wing Celebrates 2025 Annual Award Winners

A portrait of U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Oscar McCartney, 8th Airlift Squadron superintendent and 2025 62d AW Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, November 7, 2023. McCartney is from Texas and advises the 8th AS commander on issues affecting the health, welfare, morale, training and professional development of 126 aircrew and support personnel across five Air Force Specialty Codes. “It is an absolute privilege to be recognized alongside so many outstanding leaders who inspire me every day,” said McCartney. ‘“E Pluribus Unum” – Out of many, one. For me, this timeless motto captures my core motivation: God, family, and country. Everything flows from faith, the love and unity of my family, and a deep commitment to serving something greater than myself. None of this would be possible without the unwavering love, sacrifice, and support of my incredible wife and our three wonderful children. They are my foundation and my greatest joy. I also owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the mentors who have poured wisdom, guidance, and belief into me over the years. Thank you for shaping who I am and for believing in me even when I doubted myself.” (Courtesy Photo)

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62d Airlift Wing Celebrates 2025 Annual Award Winners

A portrait of U.S. Air Force Capt. Breanna Marley, 62d Maintenance Squadron maintenance flight commander and 2025 62d AW Company Grade Officer of the Year. Marley is from Florida and leads 130 personnel in maintaining routine Home Station Checks for 40 C-17 Globemaster IIIs and the Wing’s wheel and tire repair shop, while ensuring efficient aircraft maintenance practices by assessing patterns, identifying and correcting deficiencies, and sustaining quality standards across the unit. “I believe that awards are a team effort,” said Marley. “This win represents all the exceptional guidance that I have received from my mentors and peers. I am beyond happy to take this opportunity to showcase the collective wins this team has accomplished over the past year. My “why” is ever evolving, though I choose to prioritize consistent efforts to support my teammates’ successes. Additionally, my “why” is to grow through depth and perspective, while sharpening core competencies as an officer striving towards advanced challenges and opportunities. I am driven to inspire and influence others to lead with care, humility, and originality. I’d like to give my gratitude to the 62d MXS leadership for their enduring mentorship, my encouraging friends, and most importantly my wonderful Maintenance Flight family. Thank you for everything!” (Courtesy Photo)

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62d Airlift Wing Celebrates 2025 Annual Award Winners

A portrait of U.S. Air Force Maj. Marcus Malecek, 62d Airlift Wing Inspector General director of exercises and 2025 62d AW Field Grade Officer of the Year, March 25, 2026. Malecek is from Wisconsin and is responsible for designing, planning, coordinating, and evaluating 62d AW exercises focusing on combat readiness to prepare the Wing for high-end conflict. He also serves as a lead airdrop evaluator aircraft commander and weapons officer. “I’m honored by the award, but I take greater pride in the training and readiness the 62d AW displayed over the past year,” said Malecek. “Multiple rapid-deployment exercises, Gunfighter Flag 25-02, and Operation KENNEY STRIKES BACK all proved the 62 AW’s combat power. I feel proud and honored to have played a role in those exercises. I feel a strong sense of duty to serve my family, my country, and the airmen around me. I focus my energy on making the world a better place for those people, and I want to see all of them thrive. Thanks and glory to God for putting me on this path and giving me this vocation to serve Him and my country. Big thanks to my family, especially my wife for supporting me through long hours and difficult days. Thank you to the Wing, Group, and Squadron leadership that trusted me with OKSB. It was a huge allocation of Wing resources to bring to fruition, and I’m lucky to be part of a wing that empowers its members to step up and make a major operation like that happen.” (Courtesy Photo)

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62d Airlift Wing Celebrates 2025 Annual Award Winners

U.S. Air Force Col. John Berger, 62d Airlift Wing Deputy commander, left, Samantha Milward, 62d AW Office of the Staff Judge Advocate discharge paralegal, Victim and Witness Assistance Program coordinator, and 2025 62d AW Category I Civilian of the Year, center, and Chief Master Sgt. Mathew Hill, 62d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Chief Enlisted leader, right, pose for a photo at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, March 6, 2026. Milward is from Montana and as a discharge paralegal, she works with command teams to process involuntary administrative military separations, ensuring all administrative separations for service members are handled with precision and care. As a VWAP coordinator, she is dedicated to supporting victims and witnesses of crimes by providing them with the resources, information, and assistance they need throughout the justice process. “I am driven by a deep passion for law and justice and a strong sense of duty to my country,” said Milward. “Being a military spouse has given me a unique perspective on the importance of service. My work is more than a job; it's my personal way of contributing to the Air Force community and ensuring that the processes that govern our service members are executed with integrity and fairness. Thank you to my husband for being my number one supporter and motivation to do better every day. Additionally, my JA team is the best team out there and I am honored to work alongside them.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Colleen Anthony)

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62d Airlift Wing Celebrates 2025 Annual Award Winners

A portrait of Eileen Rodriguez, 62d Operations Support Squadron airfield manager and 2025 62d AW Category II Civilian of the Year, February 12, 2014. Rodriguez is from Hawaii and manages 16 military and civilian personnel to support base and transient flight operations overseeing airfield activities to ensure a safe and effective airfield operation. “Receiving this award is truly an honor and a meaningful recognition of the effort, collaboration and commitment that go into the work every day,” said Rodriguez. “It reflects the support and dedication of the team around me. I’m driven by a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to contribute positively to the team and the organization. I take pride in my work, and knowing that my efforts make an impact pushes me to consistently maintain a high level of performance. I’m also inspired by the people I work with across Joint Base Lewis-McChord and our shared commitment to achieving success together. This would not have been possible without the support and dedication of my team. I want to give a special shoutout to the Airfield Management Operations Section and the Airfield Operations Flight for everything you do day in and day out, 24/7. Your commitment, professionalism and teamwork are what make achievements like this possible.” (Courtesy Photo)

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62d Airlift Wing Celebrates 2025 Annual Award Winners

U.S. Air Force Col. John Berger, 62d Airlift Wing Deputy commander, left, Marc Maschhoff, 62d AW Civilian Personnel officer and 2025 62d AW Category III Civilian of the Year, center, and Chief Master Sgt. Mathew Hill, 62d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Chief Enlisted leader, right, pose for a photo at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, March 6, 2026. Maschhoff is from Washington and leads a 6-member team to develop and execute human capital strategy for over 600 civilians in 54 Total Force Integration units at JBLM and at four geographically separated locations. “2025 was an incredibly busy and tough year with new and shifting guidance and short-notice, high-priority suspenses,” said Maschhoff. “I’m very grateful to my leadership for recognizing my hard work. As someone who was born and raised in the Air Force, then spent 24 years as an Airlift maintainer, and now as a military spouse and U.S. Air Force civilian, having the opportunity to serve as part of the 62d AW and Team McChord is deeply fulfilling. I’d like to thank my team for tackling all the challenges that come our way, my friends and mentors for their guidance and support, and, most importantly, my husband for always being there for me through everything!” (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Colleen Anthony)

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62d Airlift Wing Celebrates 2025 Annual Award Winners

U.S. Air Force Maj. Denise Caspers, 62d Aerial Port Squadron commander, left, Master Sgt. Brandon Hughes, 62d APS First Sergeant and 2025 62d AW First Sergeant of the Year, center, and Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Cannon, 62d APS senior enlisted leader, right, pose for a photo at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, March 26, 2026. Hughes is from Alabama, and advises the 62d APS commander on all matters of readiness, morale, and welfare within the unit, and acts as a voice for Airmen across Team McChord on the same subject matter. “This award is truly humbling and means everything to me,” said Hughes. “I’m constantly surrounded by incredible peers that push me to be better, and my Triad pushes me to be the best version of myself. This award is the product of their efforts as much as mine. I love being a First Sergeant because our Airmen need someone who is going to be there for them 24/7, and weather life’s storms with them. I want to be their cheerleader in their greatest moments, and their shoulder and support system for the harder moments. My “why?” is our Airmen. I’d like to thank my wife and daughter for letting this dream job be a reality, without them it would not be possible; my incredible Triad, Maj Caspers and CMSgt Cannon, for being incredible leaders and trusting in me everyday to execute their vision; the Team McChord First Sergeant Council for believing in me and being my family since I put this Diamond on in 2024, without them this job would be much harder; finally my Dad, who was a prior First Sergeant and is always willing to provide some advice and guidance on where I’m at.” (Courtesy Photo)

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62d Airlift Wing Celebrates 2025 Annual Award Winners

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Thompson, 62d Maintenance Group commander, left, Jorg Elfrink, 62d Aerial Port Squadron Key Support Liaison/Mentor and 2025 62d AW Key Spouse of the Year, center, and Chief Master Sgt. Mathew Hill, 62d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Chief Enlisted leader, right, pose for a photo at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, March 18, 2025. Elfrink is from the Netherlands, and serves as a vital link between military members, federal civilian employees, and their families by connecting individuals with valuable resources such as childcare, education, and support services. “I am truly humbled to receive this award,” said Elfrink. “It fills me with pride and motivates me to continue serving the 62d APS and the broader 62d AW community in every way I can. My purpose is to step up, connect people, and be a pillar within our military community. It brings joy, meaning, and lasting connections throughout JBLM. I would like to give a special shoutout to my amazing wife, to all military spouses, and significant others for their unwavering support and sacrifices, and to our Key Support Lead at McChord, Mrs. Burr, for consistently keeping us informed, prepared, and supported.” (Courtesy Photo)

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62d Airlift Wing Celebrates 2025 Annual Award Winners

U.S. Air Force Col. John Berger, 62d Airlift Wing Deputy commander, presents the 2025 62d AW Team of the Year Award to the 62d Maintenance Squadron Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory Flight at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, March 6, 2026. The 62d MXS PMEL flight generates Rapid Global Mobility capabilities and supports the Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment Repair Network by maintaining equipment that is Safe, Accurate, Reliable, and Traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Colleen Anthony)

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62d Airlift Wing Celebrates 2025 Annual Award Winners

Published April 3, 2026
By Tech. Sgt. Blake Gonzales
62d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --

The 62d Airlift Wing recently announced its 2025 Annual Award winners. These professionals demonstrated the highest levels of performance through outstanding leadership and dedicated work ethic. Through their significant contributions, they’ve improved not only their individual units, but the 62d AW as a whole. Select each photograph to learn a bit more about each individual and what they do for Team McChord.

Congratulations to the 2025 62d Airlift Wing Annual Award Winners:

Airman of the Year - Senior Airman Diadie Cisse, 62d Comptroller Squadron

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year - Tech. Sgt. Brett Hoeltje, 62d Maintenance Squadron

Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year - Master Sgt. Oscar McCartney, 8th Airlift Squadron

Company Grade Officer of the Year - Capt. Breanna Marley, 62d Maintenance Squadron

Field Grade Officer of the Year - Maj. Marcus Malecek, 62d Airlift Wing Inspector General

Civilian Category I of the Year – Samantha Milward, 62d Airlift Wing Office of the Staff Judge Advocate

Civilian Category II of the Year - Eileen Rodriguez, 62d Operations Support Squadron

Civilian Category III of the Year - Marc Maschhoff, 62d Airlift Wing Civilian Personnel Office

First Sergeant of the Year - Master Sgt. Brandon Hughes, 62d Aerial Port Squadron

Key Spouse Liaison of the Year - Jorg Elfrink, 62d Aerial Port Squadron

Team of the Year - Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) Flight, 62d Maintenance Squadron