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AETC OAY nominees ‘take it all in’

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Clinton Atkins
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Twenty-five Outstanding Airman of the Year nominees from bases across Air Education and Training Command compete tonight for AETC honors. The ceremony, however, is only the icing on the cake.

The nominees, who arrived Monday with spouses and family members, experienced a week-long tour of the San Antonio area, Lackland and Randolph AFBs. The tour included visits to the Center for the Intrepid, Basic Military Training, downtown San Antonio and dining with AETC senior leaders.

"This has been a wonderful experience," said Senior Airman Anna Zyska Ereth, Air University Financial Management Flight special actions supervisor at Maxwell AFB, Ala. "Thank you to all of the sponsors for their input in all the events. I had a chance, as a senior airman, to be exposed to great leadership. Meeting all the command chiefs, other nominees and spouses was a memorable experience I will never forget. I'm proud to be here."

Many of the nominees considered this a dream come true. Many of them have travelled a different path to reach this point in their careers.

"I was nominated for this award because of my ability to take care of my Airmen and the mission," said Master Sgt. Charles Veillon, Jr., 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "I actually do not think I deserve this award because I do what I do day in and day out for one reason - support.

"Getting the opportunity to mentor, develop, lead and learn from young Airmen inspires me to be a better leader," he said.

According to Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Raimondi, Air Force Recruiting Service Broadcast Operations non-commissioned officer in charge at Randolph AFB, in order to be successful in the Air Force, Airmen must take care of themselves both physically and spiritually. They also should "live every day like it's the only one you have to make a difference."

AETC Command Chief Master Sgt. James Cody said, bringing the nominees here from around the command not only lets them meet some of the command's best, but also provides them a broader perspective of AETC's mission and how their jobs fit into the overall mission.

"We've thrown a lot at these folks over the last week," said the chief. "They've experienced a lot of different things and seen some the different missions that are here at Joint Base San Antonio.

"We're very proud of each of them and their many accomplishments," he said. "We have enjoyed spending this week with these exceptional Airmen and their families. There is no doubt with Airmen like these our Air Force is in good hands for many years to come."