Airfield Management Citations
Master Sergeant Janice D. Panera distinguished herself through outstanding service to the United States as Airfield Manager, 120th Operations Support Squadron, 120th Operations Group, 120th Airlift Wing, Great Falls Air National Guard Base, Montana. Sergeant Panera's unmatched professional skill, knowledge, and leadership prevented logistical complications during the 2022 Montana Military Open House, Flight Over the Falls. Sergeant Panera was the key coordinator between 16 civilian and military agencies for airfield diagram setup, vendor distribution, and the parking and support of 31 visiting aircraft. In addition, she orchestarted the scheduling of departures and arrivals for all participating aircraft and personnel while simultaneously deconflicting daily commercial airline traffic, preserving safety for airfield operations. Sergeant Panera's logical layout of the Open House assets allowed 50,000 attendees to easily maneuver the ramp over the course of three days and explore the air superiority that positively increased the local economy by more than six million dollars over the last calendar year. Finally, her foresight and dynamic parking plan enabled expeditious departures of civilian aircraft and unit members to hangar critical fighter assets in less than 30 minutes before a severe thunderstorm reached the airfield, protecting over four hundred million dollars in aviation assets. The distinctive accomplishments of Master Sergeant Panera reflect credit upon herself, the 120th Operations Support Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Technical Sergeant Rhonda A. Cunningham distinguished herself by meritorious service while assigned to the 86th Aerial Port Squadron, McChord Air Force Base, Washington from XXXXXXX to XXXXXX. During this period, Sergeant Cunningham performed her duties in an outstanding manner, enabling over 200 Aerial Port personnel to fully perform their worldwide mission. As the Flightline Security Manager and Materials Handling Equipment monitor, she provided detailed training, licensing, and review of key operational readiness requirements for the squadron. She developed an aircraft loader course with scenarios specifically tailored to meet the aerial port needs at deployed locations throughout the world. Furthermore, her expertise in operating Army mission essential vehicles during aircraft downloads significantly strengthened the unit training program and improved the unit's wartime readiness. While on annual tour at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, Sergeant Cunningham served as a load team chief where the team safely loaded and offloaded 1,100 tons of cargo on various types of cargo aircraft with zero safety mishaps. Her team's efforts ensured 100 percent on-time takeoffs, far exceeding Air Mobility Command's standards and expectations. Finally, at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, she contributed to the expeditious movement of over 40,000 short tons of cargo on 4,500 missions throughout the region with an impressive 99 percent on-time aircraft departure rate. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Cunningham reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Matthew L. Black distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Airfield Management Operations Supervisor, 20th Operations Support Squadron, 20th Operations Group, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. During this period, the outstanding professional skill, leadership, and ceaseless efforts of Sergeant Black resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success of Operation Unified Protector, Operation New Dawn, and other operations supported by the 20th Fighter Wing. Sergeant Black provided flawless oversight over Air Combat Command's Largest F-16 combat fighter wing and ensured the airfield was maintained in the highest state of readiness for alert aircraft, enabling alert to fly over 75 sorties critical to Homeland Security. Additionally, he identified critical errors in the contractor's design of a 385,000 dollar airfield painting and rubber removal project and aided in correcting the markings to meet airfield standards. Moreover, he oversaw airfield construction projects and upgrades worth over 3 million dollars. Lastly, Sergeant Black assisted in executing a 500,000 dollar fiber optic install for rewiring multiple taxiways, enhancing airfield infrastructure and navigational aid reliability. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Black reflect credit upon himself, the 20th Operations Support Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Steven C. Robinson distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as Airfield Management Shift Lead, 1st Operations Support Squadron, 1st Fighter Wing, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. During this period, Airman Robinson conducted over five hundred airfield checks, maintaining over two thousand acres of airfield for the 1st Fighter Wing, eliminating over twenty hazards with zero mission delays. Additionally, he managed the delivery of more than four thousand FLIP products, maximizing crew access to safey of flight materials. Furthermore, Airman Robinson guided the 1st Fighter Wing Vice Commander on an airfield orientation, providing wing leadership insight on current conditions and future enhancements. His contributions to the flight culminated in Airfield Management winning the 2008 Air Force Airfield Management Facility of the Year and a 94 percent compliance rating during the 2009 Air Combat Command Air Traffic Systems Evaluation Program inspection. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Robinson reflect credit upon himself, the 1st Operations Support Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Mark A. Orida distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as Airfield Management Journeyman, 125th Operations Support Flight, 125th Fighter Wing, Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Floria. During this period, the professional skill, leadership, and ceaseless efforts of Airman Orida contributed to the effectiveness and success of the Airfield Management section of the 125th Operations Group. Airman Orida consistently exceeded expectations, having completed two 5-level training volumes in record time, well before they were due. His outstanding performance earned him Airman of the Quarter and Airman of the Year for the 125th Operations Group, and Airman of the Quarter for the 125th Fighter Wing. In addition, he committed himself to outside education, having completed his Associate of Applied Science in Airfield Management and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management, as well as pursing post-graduate level education. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Orida reflect credit upon himself, the Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.