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Scott medical personnel receive Air Force awards

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Four members from the 375th Operations and Medical Groups received a 2008 Air Force Medical Service Award with both surprise and pride. 

The AFMSA is presented by the Air Force surgeon general's medical force development directorate to 150 medical personnel who exemplify superior job performance, innovative operations and exceptional teamwork, according to the AFMSA Web site. 

Maj. Karen Kirk received the Air Force Medical Service field grade flight nurse of the year award. 

"I was surprised because there are a lot of great flight nurses out there," said Major Kirk, 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight commander. 

Major Kirk also credits her deployment to Djibouti, Africa, for putting her above the rest.
"She's a tough cookie because she listens and stands behind her crew," said Senior Airman Stephanie Boley, 375th AES aeromedical evacuation technician. 

Airman Boley was also recognized as the Air Force Medical Service aeromedical evacuation technician of the year-Airman. 

"It's funny because everyone always thinks we have such a cool job, but to me it's just a regular job," said Airman Boley. "The fact that I was recognized as the best in the Air Force was overwhelming though. I remember thinking, 'Me? Little ol' me?'" 

Tech. Sgt. David Denton was named the Air Force Medical Service aeromedical evacuation technician of the year-NCO. Sergeant Denton was recognized last November by the Airlift/Tanker Association with the P.K. Carlton Award for Valor for his deployment in Afghanistan. 

"I am humbled just like I was when I won my other award," said Sergeant Denton, 375th Operations Group flight evaluator. "What I did was not different or more heroic than what other flight medics do." 

Major Kirk thought otherwise. 

"Sergeant Denton and Airman Boley are both go-to people," said Major Kirk. "They really know what they're doing and help everyone out." 

Senior Master Sgt. Marc Dowler, who was named Air Force Medical Service senior aerospace medical service functional manager of the year, is currently deployed. 

For the AFMSA aeromedical evacuation category, there are only five awards and three were given to the 375th AES, explained Major Kirk. 

There are also only four active duty and 28 Reserve aeromedical evacuation units in the Air Force, added Sergeant Denton. 

All three members also credited their current leadership for putting in a lot of their personal time to get their members recognized. 

"It pushes us to work harder," said Airman Boley. 

Each recipient is authorized to wear the Air Force Recognition Ribbon.