132 Fighter Wing Awards Ceremony 2011

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Sara Robinson
  • 132 Fighter Wing
Des Moines, Iowa --  During November drill, members of the 132nd Fighter Wing, family members and distinguished guests gathered in the West Hangar for the annual award ceremony. This ceremony is an opportunity for wing members to be recognized for their outstanding performance and achievements during the year. Distinguished guests included United States Representative Leonard Boswell; Deputy Adjutant General of the IA Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Derek Hill; 132nd Fighter Wing Commander, Col. William DeHaes; State Senior Enlisted Advisor Command Sgt. Maj. John Breitsprecker; 123nd Fighter Wing Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Angela Vos and State Command Chief Master Sgt, Chief Master Sgt. Ed Shellhase.

Officer of the Year is 1st Lt. Brandon Cochran, 132nd Medical Group. Cochran led the fight for improved resource and budget oversight by identifying and eliminating nearly $700,000 in funding requests. During the year he established a budget cycle calendar identifying necessary tasks to ensure budget obligation and execution. He researched, authored, and published 132nd Medical Group resourcing and fiscal budget guidelines.

This year's 1st Sergeant of the Year award goes to Senior Master Sgt. Hector Arias, 132nd Fighter Wing. The First Sergeant of the Year Award recognizes the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by Air Force members in the First Sergeant Career Field. Senior Master Sgt. Arias displayed the highest standards of leadership in job performance which significantly contributes to increased mission effectiveness. His leadership qualities contribute to the military or civilian community's welfare and morale.

Master Sgt. Brenda Safranski, 132nd Force Support Squadron is the Senior NCO or the Year. Safranski facilitates and directs the Wing's Student Flight. She engineers Airman Leadership labs and uses Basic Military Training graduates to guide the 110 Student Flight Airman. She coordinates curriculum, mentoring, leadership skills. In 2011 Student Flight produced 18 BMT Honor Graduates, thanks to the hard work of Safranski. She uses team building and life skills opportunities in training and attained a 98% retention rate of Student Flight.

NCO of the year is Tech. Sgt. Tina Bizios, 132nd Logistics Readiness Squadron. Bizios served as Expeditionary Combat Support System (ECSS) change agent coordinator and played a vital role in the single largest change in the history of Air Force Logistics. Her customer first attitude continuously demonstrates her dedication to providing exceptional customer service.

From the 124th Fighter Squadron, Airman of the Year is Senior Airman Jennifer Barrer. She sets the bar high and was honored as the Operations Group " Airman of the Quarter" during the 3rd & 4th quarter. She was recognized by the Exercise Evaluation Team as an "Outstanding Performer" during the ORE Phase II in Volk Field, WI--displaying a high sense of urgency & extreme competence in all scenarios.

These members exemplify the high standards of the 132nd Fighter Wing and the Iowa Air National Guard.  Members provide full-time readiness at a part-time cost; minimal burden on taxpayers unless called for duty.