JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
The Diamond Sharp Award is sponsored by the Joint Base San Antonio First Sergeants Council and recognizes outstanding Airmen who continually exceed the standard to meet the Air Force mission.
Rank/Name: Staff Sgt. Justin R. Shmidl
802nd Force Support Squadron
Duty Title: Professional Military Education instructor
Staff Sgt. Justin R. Shmidl is the epitome of a professional Airman and selfless wingman. He single-handedly organized the Airman Leadership School Class 21-6 volunteer event by coordinating with district officials to bolster a local San Antonio Elementary School. Shmidl led 52 students in the beautification efforts of 19,500 square feet, saving more than $20,000 for a community. Additionally, he identified signs of distress and referred three wingmen for mental health services and expedited one emergency leave; he exceeded Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force’s vision of “People First.”
Rank/Name: Senior Airman Gabriel A. Aranda
Unit: 57th Intelligence Squadron
Duty Title: Signal analyst team lead
Senior Airman Gabriel A. Aranda exemplified himself by guiding his four-member analysis team that completed 11 radar reviews, which increased production by 25%. Aranda also was able to expedite two external analysis requests within a record time, resulting in being coined for excellence by the 365th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group command chief. Aranda demonstrated outstanding community involvement by his performance as the squadron booster club vice president. In this position, he coordinated a squadron sports competition and banquet. Aranda demonstrated the ability to adapt and overcome when faced with inclement weather.
Rank/Name: Senior Airman Leinaala K. Esperon
Unit: 502nd Communication Squadron
Duty Title: Client systems technician
Senior Airman Leinaala K. Esperon exemplifies excellence through her actions at work and leads her peers through training and technical expertise. She filled in as service center team lead, a position normally held by staff sergeants. She led four members while mentoring junior enlisted members. She devised an operations plan for her team that helped cement the overall section to resolve a 400-ticket backlog by 91 percent. Esperon created a training course attended by 30 technicians to ensure the seamless rollout of mobile devices for senior leadership across the base.
Rank/Name: Airman 1st Class Malique Morris
Unit: 59th Dental Squadron
Duty Title: Dental technician
Airman 1st Class Malique Morris is proactive and willing to do whatever it takes to get the mission complete. Morris is a wingman to all of his peers and will take time to ensure the Airmen are heard. He organized an Airman’s panel with 20 individuals to hear their concerns and then elevated them to leadership. As the patient safety coach, he embodied the concept and lifestyle which earned the 59th Dental Group “Best Safety Program in Air Education and Training Command” rating in the July site visit. He coordinated our first volunteer event to build houses in the community.
Rank/Name: Senior Airman Joseyln V. Nivelo
Unit: 802nd Security Forces Squadron
Duty Title: Installation patrolman
Senior Airman Joselyn V. Nivelo contributed her efforts at San Antonio’s “God’s Dogs Rescue,” arranging for the transportation of more than 100 abandoned or abused dogs and making their journey as comfortable as possible by collecting towels and blankets from donations she collected from her flight. She also fostered two rescue dogs until they were adopted. Additionally, Nivelo volunteered at the Freedom Chapel for more than 20 hours. She assisted in distributing 2,000 pounds of groceries for military families. She also trained 50 chapel guide trainees in counseling and communication exercises to aid their fellow Airmen through stressful times.