Name/rank: Staff Sgt. Katina T. Victor
Unit: 344th Training Squadron
Duty title: Materiel Management Instructor
Time in service: 8 years
Hometown: Angleton, Texas
Staff Sgt. Katina Victor is assigned to the 344 Training Squadron as a materiel management instructor. Victor was pivotal in training 153 airmen graduating from the Materiel Management Apprentice Course during 37,000 contact hours, and the awarding of 1,700 CCAF hours. Her leadership, motivation and outstanding performance extends far beyond her primary duties. Victor’s Materiel Management knowledge led to her being selected to augment the 37 TRW/IG in completing a HAF audit of 72 equipment accounts, valued at $142 million to five Groups. As President of the squadron’s Sharp Airman Board, she oversaw six instructors to groom and mentor 25 airman, and produced eight Top and Distinguished Graduates. Furthermore, she is deeply vested in professional development which she has demonstrated as the JBSA 5/6 Committee Chair for Memberships and Retention. Victor Conducted three membership drives this month, increasing attendance by 30 percent for a total 478 members. Victor exemplifies the core value “service before self” by dedicating her off-duty time, helping the homeless of San Antoni. Finally, Victor has proven her commitment to education by graduating her bachelor’s degree and immediately enrolling in her master’s in which she currently upholds a 3.7 GPA through Ashford University.
Name/rank: Senior Airman Casey Kerkhoff
Unit: 93rd Intelligence Squadron, OL-B
Duty title: Cryptologic Service Group Strategic Threat Analyst
Time in service: 4 years (July)
Hometown: Waukee, Iowa
On several occasions, Senior Airman Kerkhoff has provided critical early warning indications during high priority events for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) J2 Operational Intelligence Watch Center. He provided time sensitive information to the command center director, which led to domestic attack assessments by the NORAD and USNORTHCOM commander, General Lori Robinson. Kerkhoff also coordinated with organizations across the globe, which directly impacted decisions affecting the security of North American airspace from potentially hostile threats. He required minimal supervision as the junior member of a 24/7 watch and filling a technical sergeant role. During a recent event, the duty director of intelligence, Maj. Steven Speece, lauded him for his maturity and technical expertise, noting that he routinely operates at the level of a NCO many years his senior. Lastly, Kerkhoff routinely volunteers his personal time to Team Rubicon; a private, non-profit active duty and veteran first responder-led disaster response organization. He is a role model in the local community, an example of the Air Force core values.
Name/rank: Airman 1st Class Alexandra L. Cristo
Unit: 502d Contracting Squadron
Duty title: Contract Administrator
Time in service: 18 Months
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Airman 1st class Alexandra Cristo serves as a contract administrator in the medical services flight, 502nd contracting squadron, Joint Base San Antonio. In 12 months, she has displayed an attitude, work ethic, and embodiment to the Air Force Core Values that motivates the peers around her. Cristo has quickly integrated herself into being a key member in the medical services flight by executing a short notice radiological consultant contract in three days preventing a 572 appointment gap across the continental United States. Additionally, she manages a $14 million contract portfolio streamlining 60 health care provider hires and supporting 240,000 beneficiaries for the Department of Defense’s largest medical network. Cristo showcases her leadership by serving as the booster club’s vice president, leading a six-member team to raise $1,700 to increase the Esprit De Corps for 244 squadron members. Finally, Cristo continuously dedicates time to serve her community by partnering with the San Antonio Food Bank and has distributed over 800 pounds of food to the local community members in need.
Name/rank: Staff Sgt. Damian Padilla
Unit: 625 Air Communications Squadron
Duty title: West Coast Enterprise Service Center Information Systems Security Officer
Time in service: 4 years
Hometown: Navarre, Florida
While Staff Sgt. Padilla was shopping at the commissary a senior gentleman collapsed to the floor. He heard the thud as the man hit the floor and immediately went to his aid. He went into action and started directing commissary workers and shoppers to call 911. For the next 10 minutes, Padilla stayed by the gentleman's side applying self-aid buddy care techniques to his head wound. He asked him questions to keep him alert and awake after the head trauma, applied pressure to his wounds, and made sure he was treated for shock.
Additionally, Padilla has assisted in the assembly of local training events for his duty section. He not only identified 22 specialty courses but made sure the proper documentation was completed for the purchase. 42 classes have been identified for purchase this year to total over $95,000 and 1,750 training hours for flight personnel. Padilla is an airman who not only looks out for those around him at work but those who need help within the community.