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Commander flies in, announces award winners

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman R. Michael Longoria
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The top Warriors of the North for the third quarter were announced Oct.19 at Liberty Square during the 319th Air Refueling Wing's Quarterly Award Ceremony, which featured the commander flying in on a zip line.

"This is a wonderful way for us to celebrate the achievements of all our Airmen," said Col. John E. Michel, 319th ARW commander. "Whether enlisted, officer or civilian, it speaks volumes about their devotion and enthusiasm as well as the crucial role they play in accomplishing Grand Forks Air Force Base's day-to-day mission."

Military and civilian nominees are selected on the basis of leadership and job performance in primary duties, significant self-improvement and base and community involvement.

The winners are:

Airman of the Quarter
Senior Airman Yvonne M. Batchelor, 319th Medical Operations Squadron

Some of the key accomplishments that led to Airman Batchelor winning this award include evaluating 18 Health Risk Assessments, earning six credits toward her Community College of the Air Force degree and coaching two Special Olympics teams.

NCO of the Quarter
Staff Sgt. Zachery J. Hedquist, 319th Civil Engineer Squadron

Some of the key accomplishments that led to Sergeant Hedquist winning this award include conducting six facility inspections, completing three credits toward CCAF degree and creating the first Turtle River Conservation clean-up effort.

Senior NCO of the Quarter
Master Sgt. Ronald J. Ruzek, 319th Operations Support Squadron

Some of the key accomplishments that led to Sergeant Ruzek winning this award include coordinating three operations group exercises, enrolling in a bachelor's degree program and guiding a shop tour for outdoor television show host, Babe Winkleman.

Company Grade Officer of the Quarter
Capt. Sara N. Brokering, 319th OSS

Some of the key accomplishments which led to Captain Brokering winning this award include executing 12 missions in two hostile wartime exercises, completing a master's degree and leading two wing fundraisers.

Civilian of the Quarter, Category I
Jolynne M. Findley, 319th OSS

Some of the key accomplishments that led to Ms. Findley winning this award include managing a $150,000 budget, creating a comprehensive performance report tracker and helping create the squadron's Phoenix Spouse Program.

Civilian of the Year, Category II
Steven E. Synnott, 319th Comptroller Squadron

Some of the key accomplishments that led to Mr. Synnott winning this award include identifying $800,000 in excess utility funding, providing mandatory training to squadron commanders and serving as commander during the comptroller squadron change-of-command.

Honor Guard Member of the Quarter
Airman 1st Class Crystal D. Dail, 319th Maintenance Group

Some of the key accomplishments that led to Airman Dail winning this award include participating in 28 military honors funerals and 12 color-guard ceremonies.

Dorm of the Quarter
Airman 1st Class Amanda L. Engholm, 319th MDOS 

Team of the Quarter, Spirit Award 
319th Force Support Squadron