JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO –
* Name/rank: Andrea C. Nazario/Technical Sergeant
* Unit: Robert D. Gaylor Noncommissioned Officer Academy
* Duty title: Enlisted Professional Military Education Instructor
* Time in service: 14 Years
* Hometown: Denison, Texas
Tech. Sgt. Andrea Nazario is a leader among leaders at the Air Force’s Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education. She is assigned to the Robert D. Gaylor Noncommissioned Officer Academy as an enlisted professional military education instructor and flawlessly facilitates 198 hours of deliberate enlisted development at the Air Force’s largest noncommissioned officer academy. She tirelessly performs duties in the Faculty Development element, where she schedules, delivers, and tracks the professional development and training for 23 instructors at the academy. Dedicated to her craft, she has innovated new processes that have standardized the evaluation and development of the instructor cadre, enhancing the experience for 1.4 thousand students annually. Truly showcasing her leadership, she rallied 46 service members to provide logistical assistance to the San Antonio Food Bank, resulting in 11 thousand pounds of food to feed 26 local families in need.
* Name/rank: A1C Almarys Lopez Rosas
* Unit: 59th Medical Specialty Squadron
* Duty title: Medical Administration
* Time in service: 8 Months
* Hometown: Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
A1C Almarys Lopez Rosas has been working as Wilford Hall Cardiology Clinic’s sole medical administration technician. As a brand new member, A1C Lopez Rosas has exceeded expectations in her medical administrative development and is critical to Cardiology’s mission. She is responsible for three clinics, seven providers and seven technician schedules, averaging over seventy patients each day. On a daily basis, she schedules over forty appointments.
Her ability to speak both English and Spanish has created an environment that enriches patient interaction throughout the clinic.
* Name/rank: Staff Sergeant Gino D. Carruitero
* Unit: 343d Training Squadron
* Duty title: Security Forces Apprentice Course Instructor
* Time in service: 26 June 06 (10yrs/10mos)
* Hometown: Downey, California
Staff Sgt. Gino Carruitero is a Security Forces Apprentice Course Instructor assigned to the 343d Training Squadron. Sergeant Carruitero’s innovative techniques and unyielding knowledge directly led to the improvement of student test materials and instructor visual aids for 4,200 students annually. His dedication to service and leadership sparked a 100% graduation rate saving the Air Force $50,000 in washback costs ensuring no Airman was left behind. Sergeant Carruitero continues to strive for excellence in education and professional development by completing Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education as a Staff Sergeant as well as earning 9 semester hours towards a BA in Operations Management and Analysis. Carruitero mentors Brandeis High School Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps in which he inspired 60 future cadets to military service while raising over $4,000 for the San Antonio Autism Foundation.
* Name/rank: Tech. Sgt. Ae K. Sappasith
* Unit: 59 MDSG
* Duty title: NCOIC, Commander Support Staff
* Time in service: 17 years, 9 months
* Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Tech Sergeant Ae K. Sappasith serves as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the largest Commander Support Staff in United States Air Force. He manages and oversees all personnel functions for the 59th Medical Wing, supporting 4,200 Active Duty/reserve staff, and over 2,000 students, encompassing seven Groups and 51 Squadrons. Sergeant Sappasith’s expertise was called upon to lead the integration of all commander support staff personalist operations, aligning the Medical Wing located at Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, and Fort Sam Houston, which streamlined multiple programs and procedures for all customers across Joint Base San Antonio. Being the subject matter expert he meticulously revamped the enlisted force distribution panel procedures, incorporating new AF instructions and simplifying a complexed process.
* Name/rank: Airman First Class Terrence Curry
* Unit: 93rd Intelligence Squadron
* Duty title: Administration Technician
* Time in service: 7 July 15
* Hometown: Los Angeles, California
During the month of April, Airman First Class Terrence M. Curry worked as one of two Resource Advisors and Defense Travel System Approval Authorities for the 93rd Intelligence Squadron. He approved 32 travel vouchers and authorizations during the month of April, amounting to nearly $65,000 in funds. Additionally, Airman Curry spearheaded the beautification of the Commander’s Support Staff building by supervising the procurement of more than $500 of paint and other supplies needed to renovate the hallway and stairwells. Through coordination with the Self Help Office, he ensured all of the necessary supplies were available well ahead of the project date. Airman Curry also took over the flight Physical Training program as Lead Physical Training Leader, overseeing the fitness of 24 flight members and mentoring 20 newly arrived Airman on squadron fitness policies and requirements.
* Name/rank: Romina Guridi/SrA
* Unit: 959th CSPS
* Duty title: Acquisitions Journeyman
* Time in service: 3.5 years (December 2013)
* Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Senior Airman Romina Guridi defines the Air Force Core Values of Integrity, Service before Self, and Excellence. Currently serving as an acquisitions manager for San Antonio Military Medical Center, she is responsible for the procurement of medical supplies for the Department of Defense’s largest joint Level 1 Trauma Center. Her excellence is derived from a large breadth of experience gained from her initiative-driven performance as sole uniformed service member acting in a supply technician role for three sections. This includes servicing the San Antonio Military Medical Center laboratory, where she flawlessly managed 6,000 line items worth over $5,000, allowing for seamless care of 1200 patients. Airman Guridi took things a step further when she utilized her bilingual capabilities to become Language Enabled Airman Program certified, providing the Department of Defense with a communication asset in the ability to translate for Spanish speaking beneficiaries. This is an integral part of the overall San Antonio Military Medical Center’s mission.
* Name/rank: A1C Matthew McOsker
* Unit: 502d Operations Support Squadron
* Duty title: Air Traffic Controller, Tower
* Time in service: 2 Years, 1 Month
* Hometown: Lumberton, Texas
A1C McOsker is the go-to Airman in the Operations Support Squadron. He completed his Air Traffic Control upgrade training, and subsequent trainer certification. Further, he is the focal point for the OSS Booster Club, leading fundraising efforts and t-shirt/polo purchase. Most importantly, he was one of three personnel personally recognized for his efforts during the April 100-Year Kelly Field celebration with Port San Antonio, Brigadier General Pringle, and the mayor of San Antonio.
* Name/rank: SSgt Mitchell Francis
* Unit: AFELM
* Duty title: Laboratory Technician
* Time in service: 12 yrs. 9 mths
* Hometown: Antigua, West Indies
During a recent decline in manning, SSgt Mitchell Francis accepted new challenges and workload that exceeded his leadership’s expectations. He oversaw the shipping and receiving of all blood products supporting 8 facilities with 50% of the products going to deployed forces. He completed an intense process improvement initiative, stepped up as the lead for career field mentorship for basic military trainees and completed Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education I to facilitate his role as the assistant Phase I Instructor for Army and Navy Med Lab Technicians.