Hearing Conservation & Audiology Awards
Senior Airman Jeremiah K. Larez distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Public Health Journeyman, 39th Medical Operations Squadron, 39th Medical Group, 39th Air Base Wing, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. In this important assignment, Senior Airman Larez performed 345 hearing examinations, eradicating overdue appointments by increasing occupational health access to care by 75 percent, and boosting the Wing's Occupational Health compliance rate from 91 to 100 percent, making the Wing number one in the Air Force. Additionally, he reviewed 15 industrial case files and identified and corrected four critical OSHA issues which contributed to the flight's "Outstanding" rating during the Health Services Inspection (HSI). Moreover, Airman Larez monitored 13 patients' medication therapy which resulted in zero active tuberculosis cases on base and was a key factor in the Tubercolusis Detection and Control program's success. Finally, his identification of two critical issues during Food Vulnerability Assessments of ten facilities led to the fortification of the Wing's vital food supply. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Larez reflect credit upon himself, the 39th Medical Operations Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Dominic B. Angeles distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as Public Health Technician, 28th Medical Operations Squadron, 28th Medical Group, 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. During this period, the unwavering efforts of Airman Angeles contributed to the success of Air Force Medical Service programs. He administered 1,850 audiograms for base personnel enrolled in the Hearing Conservation Program, maintaining a 98 percent completion rate, and exceeding the Air Force goal by nine percent. Additionally, he performed 62 food safety and sanitation inspections and enforced the standards outlined by the Food and Drug Administration, validating 1.4 million dollars of food safe for procurement and consumption. Further, Airman Angeles' attention to detail and dedication to the 28th Bomb Wing contributed to his recognition as the 28th Medical Operations Squadron Airman of the Quarter and the 28th Medical Group winning the Air Combat Command Best Clinic award. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Angeles reflect credit upon himself, the 28th Medical Operations Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Kaila R. Williams distinguished herself by meritorious service while serving as Public Health Technician, 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron, 21st Medical Group, 21st Space Wing, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. During this period, Airman Williams contributed to the Medical Employee Health Program, tracking over 2,000 requirements for 489 medics, achieving a one hundred percent compliance rate, and the number one spot in Air Force Space Command. Additionally, Airman Williams oversaw the Hearing Conservation Program for 1,300 members, saving the Department of Defense seven million dollars in disability claims. Finally, Airman Williams co-authored a Hearing Conservation Tri-fold, correcting seven discrepancies, resulting in the approval of the Air Force Medical Operations Agency and adoption of the tool Air Force wide. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Williams reflect credit upon herself, the 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Sheila W. Lowe distinguished herself by meritorious service while serving as PubliC Health Technician, 148th Medical Group, 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard. During this period, the professional skill, leadership, and ceaseless efforts of Sergeant Lowe contributed greatly to the effectiveness of numerous Air Force Programs. She revised and reorganized the majority of the Occupational Health program at the 148th Medical Group, providing upgraded physical exam processes for the fire fighters, ensuring the highest standards of the NFPT compliance. She reorganized the Hearing Conservation process to provide consistent and accurate monitoring of hearing health and improved outcomes. In addition, Sergeant Lowe improved the Fetal Protection program through the implementation of creative patient education, thereby increasing earlier participation and more thorough evaluation of occupational hazards to wing personnel. She has successfully deployed and redeployed hundreds of wing members and contributed greatly to the "Legacy of Excellence" at the 148th Fighter Wing, leading to the Medical Group's Excellent rating at the 2012 HSI. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Lowe reflect credit upon herself, the Minnesota Air National Guard and the United Stated Air Force.