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A fun new format flips the quarterly awards ceremony on its head

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Quarterly award ceremonies are meant to be a time to recognize the accomplishments of Airmen and civilians. Oftentimes, it means getting together at the Scott Club, having lunch followed by a quick award ceremony, some words from the commander, and then everyone goes back about their day.

The Airmen in the 375th Air Mobility Wing wanted something different.

"Our Airmen desired a different forum to celebrate the accomplishments of their fellow Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Candler, 375th Air Mobility Wing command chief. "A mix of professionalism and enthusiasm was the ultimate objective."

The program was requested by the Airmen, and the new structure was implemented and organized by the First Sergeants' Council.

"We have seen programs like this gain popularity at other bases, and we thought we'd capitalize on the creativity of our people," Candler said.

The new format includes pictures, voiceovers, noise makers and the "Spirit Stick."

Each unit commander narrates a 30-second voiceover to accompany a snapshot image that is played at the ceremony while the nominee is present on stage. Groups are then encouraged to cheer as loudly and enthusiastically as possible for their nominee. Evident from the day's events, creative noise makers were highly encouraged.

The second part of the format, and newest addition to the awards program, is the "Spirit Stick." This is awarded to the most spirited group as displayed by their supporters.

"As soon as this idea was brought up, and without hesitation, the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron volunteered to craft the spirit stick," said Candler. "Our engineers definitely lead the way."

The stick, like the other traveling awards in the 375th, is meant to be held as a symbol of pride and friendly competition. Every quarter the commander will award it to the most spirited group at the ceremony and it will be theirs to flaunt for the next three months.

"People want to show how much pride they have in their fellow total force partners, and by adding a bit of competition within that framework, enhanced camaraderie across the wing and strengthened resilience is the end result."

In the end, the 375th Communications Group took home the first spirit award followed closely by the 375th Medical Group and the 375th Mission Support Group.

"The overwhelming feedback from the Airmen I talked with afterward was positive ... they welcomed the new format," said Candler. "Colonel Hornitschek, Colonel Webb, and I can't wait to see the ingenuity and showcase pride that awaits this venue in the future."

Award winners:
· Junior Enlisted: Senior Airman Brandon Smith, 375th Communications Group
· Non commissioned officer: Staff Sgt. Jimmie Williamson, 375th Operations Group
· Senior non commissioned officer: Senior Master Sgt. Andres Silva, Jr., 375th CG
· Company grade officer: Capt. Aaron Lake, 375th CG
· Field grade officer: Maj. Gina Stramaglio, 375th OG
· Civilian category I: Ms. Monica Lee, 375th CG
· Civilian category II: Mr. Ronald Bobbitt, 375th CG
· Civilian category III: Mr. Christopher McIntire, 375th Mission Support Group
· Volunteer: Airman 1st Class Brandon Grove, 375th OG
· Honor Guard: Airman 1st Class Sarai Crosby, 375th Medical Group