Alamo Wing announces 2021 annual awards

By Airman Mark Colmenares and Samantha Mathison / Published Feb. 9, 2022
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas,

The 433rd Airlift Wing leadership announced the 2021 wing annual award winners during a limited in-person attendance and virtual ceremony at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy auditorium at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Feb. 5, 2022.

Traditionally, award winners are announced during the wing’s annual awards banquet. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was limited to senior leaders, nominees, a few select guests and support personnel for in-person attendance. The ceremony was livestreamed, allowing the audience to view the event remotely.

Col. Terry McClain, 433rd AW commander, officiated the ceremony.

“Our wing excelled throughout the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and these Airmen were essential in making it happen,” McClain said. “Modifying our usual banquet into a virtual ceremony is the least we can do to safely recognize their hard work and efforts. They worked hard for our mission success, so we worked hard to celebrate them.”

McClain, along with Chief Master Sgt. Takesha Williams, 433rd AW command chief, announced the following annual award winners:

Airman Category
Staff Sgt. Christian Alejos, 433rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (recently promoted)

Noncommissioned Officer Category
Tech. Sgt. Christine Narro, 433rd Medical Squadron

Senior Noncommissioned Officer Category
Master Sgt. Justin Lundgaard, 26th Aerial Port Squadron

First Sergeant Category
Senior Master Sgt. Tania McGuire, 433rd Civil Engineer Squadron

Company Grade Officer Category
Capt. Lizeth Critchfield, 433rd Medical Squadron

Field Grade Officer Category
Maj. Valerie Mafnas, 26th Aerial Port Squadron

Flight Commander Category
Maj. Melissa Greenwood, 26th Aerial Port Squadron

Civilian Category I
Sean Pollard, 433rd Operations Support Squadron

Civilian Category II
Lisa Green, 433rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron

Civilian Category III
Rosario Genuardi, 433rd Logistics Readiness Squadron

Honor Guard/Guardian Category
Staff Sgt. Gary Montoya, 74th Aerial Port Squadron

Alamo Wing Combat Ready Spirit Award
433rd Maintenance Squadron

According to Master Sgt. Justin Lundgaard, 26th Aerial Port Squadron NCO in charge of air terminal operations center, it was an honor to be selected at the wing level in the senior NCO category.

“I wouldn’t have gotten here without my team, my leadership and my mentors,” Lundgaard said. “Their support and guidance has been invaluable and if I’m selected at the next level, I will be honored.”