Air University recognizes its best for 2008

  • Published
  • By Carl Poteat
  • Dispatch editor
Six active duty members and three civilian employees were recognized as Air University's best in a "pep rally" ceremony in Polifka Auditorium at Maxwell March 12. The winners were presented bronze eagles by Lt. Gen. Allen G. Peck, commander of Air University; and will represent AU in Air Force wide competition in their respective categories. 

Maj. Eugene A. Moore, III, deputy director of the Support Directorate, Holm Center, received the Field Grade Officer of the Year award. Major Moore was cited for his achievements while deployed as well as at home station where he managed support involving personnel, financial, computer systems, and facilities to more than 2,900 personnel at 2,000 locations. 

Capt. Jennifer L. Formell, officer in charge of Intelligence Outreach, LeMay Center, received the Company Grade Officer of the Year award. Captain Formell was praised for her work with the National Security Agency along with collecting and analyzing information for the commander of Southern Command. She was also noted for her skill as a lecturer of intelligence courses at the LeMay Center. 

Senior Master Sgt. Todd A. Burrows, first sergeant, Headquarters, Air University, received the First Sergeant of the Year award. Sergeant Burrows was recognized for short notice efforts in the recent Operational Readiness Inspection, family care plans and aiding family members of deployed personnel. 

Master Sgt. William L. Humphrey, section chief, Information Systems Division, Air Force Institute of Technology, received the Senior Non-Commission Officer of the Year award. Sergeant Humphrey was cited for his achievements while deployed in addition to managing $14 million in technology equipment at home station as well as securing the network for 1,200 users. 

Tech. Sgt. Jennifer S Laufer, chaplain assistant, 42nd Air Base Wing, received the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year award. Sergeant Laufer was praised for her achievements while deployed, insuring accountability during rocket attacks and providing "spiritual" triage. 

Senior Airman Brian K. Coleman, patrolman, 42nd ABW, received the Airman of the Year award. Senior Airman Coleman was also cited for his achievements while deployed during which he conducted 90 patrols through insurgent locations. While at Maxwell, he was noted for his security efforts with emphasis on random anti-terrorist measures. 

Mr. Paul R. Keeping, education technician at the Holm Center, received the Civilian of the Year, Category I, award. Mr. Keeping's achievements included supporting 879 units, 1,960 instructors and more than 103,000 cadets. In addition he was recognized as a "top performer" during the recent operational readiness inspection. 

Ms. Christine E. Bushby, mortuary affairs officer with the 42nd ABW, received the Civilian of the Year, Category II, award. Also a top performer during the recent operational readiness inspection she also was recognized for her support of families during funeral arrangements and her development of the 42nd ABW mortuary plan. 

Mr. Paul M. Keenan, education specialist at the Air Force Institute of Technology, received the Civilian of the Year, Category III, award. He was acknowledged for teaching 120 classes and more than 700 students at AFIT, Maxwell, Keesler Air Force Base, and Indiana University in addition to designing and implementing courses for deploying personnel.