JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Air Mobility Command's Outstanding Airmen and First Sergeant of the Year banquet April 8 will recognize 12 finalists who represent the best of the best in AMC.
During the banquet, one Airman from each of the three categories - Airman, noncommissioned officer and senior NCO - will be chosen to represent AMC during the Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year competition. Additionally, one first sergeant candidate will move on to compete at the Air Force's First Sergeant of the Year competition.
In early 2009 Airman Samuel Siewert, 628th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection journeyman, was named as Joint Base Charleston's Airman of the Year. Following this, his name was sent up the chain and was selected as one of three nominees in the Airman category for this year's AMC competition.
Airman Siewert's accomplishments include removing a patient with no pulse from a commercial aircraft and helped perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, saving the person's life. Additionally, when a Commissary worker was pinned between two cars, he expertly stabilized the worker's broken leg, internal injuries and symptoms of shock. He also twice revived a patient who had been ejected during a car accident, saving another life.
"At Charleston, I am responsible for providing fire protection, emergency medical and many other services to the base and to surrounding areas," explained Airman Siewert. "I feel honored to receive a nomination for one of AMC's top 12 Airmen of the year. I am proud to represent Team Charleston. This is a once in a life time opportunity."
Airman Siewert is currently deployed to Southwest Asia and will be flown to Scott Air Force Base, Ill., in order to attend the Airman of the Year competition.
"Being taken from the area of responsibility to represent the Yellow Tails at Scott AFB is an honor and a privilege," said Airman Siewert. "I am proud to be able to come back to the AOR and finish my time helping with the mission over here."
Airman Siewert, who is originally from Oconomowoc, Wis., did not join the Air Force to have financial aid for college. He did not even join the Air Force to travel the world. Airman Siewert joined the Air Force September 18, 2007 to serve his country as a firefighter.
"I felt it was a natural choice to join the Air Force and serve my country as a firefighter," explained Airman Siewert. "I chose the Air Force instead of the other services because it made the most sense to me."
Whittling down this year's list of nominees was extremely challenging according to Chief Spector, AMC's command chief.
"The caliber of this year's Airmen was outstanding," said the chief. "I'm extremely proud of each and every one of this year's finalists. The number of amazing Airmen we have in AMC is overwhelming and I thank you for the work you do every day to make this command great."
The banquet will be held at the Scott AFB Club April 8 starting at 6 p.m. Dress is semi-formal or mess dress for military attendees, and a coat and tie for civilians. This year's theme is "Developing Mobility Airmen."
If you would like to attend this year's event, visit https://einvitations.afit.edu/AMC12OAY232/anim.cfm.
Additionally, the following 11 Airmen were selected as the top AMC Airmen in their categories:
AIRMAN CATEGORY:
Staff Sgt. Joshua Hoshauer, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
Senior Airman Keyshondra Pringle, 436th Airlift Wing, Dover AFB, Del.
NCO CATEGORY:
Tech. Sgt. Robert Graham, 375th Air Mobility Wing, Scott AFB
Tech. Sgt. Mary Richardson, 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis AFB, Calif.
Staff Sgt. Derrick Victor, 19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB, Ark.
SENIOR NCO CATEGORY:
Master Sgt. Joseph Kazimer, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, JB MDL
Senior Master Sgt. Scottie Tadlock, 436th Airlift Wing, Dover AFB
Master Sgt. Brian Tyalor, Headquarters AMC, Scott AFB
FIRST SERGEANT CATEGORY:
Master Sgt. Craig Brown, 615th Contingency Response Wing, Travis AFB
Master Sgt. Danny Davis, 43rd Airlift Wing, Pope AFB, N.C.
Senior Master Sgt. Paul Hughes, 436th Airlift Wing, Dover AFB
[Laura McAndrews, AMC Public Affairs, contributed to this article].