RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
More than 100 Airmen and civilians from the Joint Base San Antonio installations will be in the spotlight next week as the Alamo Chapter of the Air Force Association holds its 25th annual awards banquet.
The event takes place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Lackland AFB Gateway Club.
"This is a way for the Alamo Chapter to recognize the hard work of military members and civilians from all over San Antonio," said 1st Lt. Manuel Ramirez, Randolph Company Grade Officers Council president.
The banquet is dedicated to the memory of Joe Kellogg and Charlotte and Carlton Loos, three longtime AFA members who helped define the Alamo Chapter. Airmen and civilians in all nine award categories will receive a Kellogg Blue Suit or Loos Civilian award.
The Kellogg Blue Suit Award will be presented to Airmen in six categories - Outstanding Airmen, Outstanding Noncommissioned Officers, Outstanding Senior NCOs, Outstanding Individual Mobilization Augmentees, Outstanding Company Grade Officers and Outstanding First Sergeants. The Loos Civilian Award will be given to civilians in three categories based on their pay grades.
Honorees are selected based on suggested areas of accomplishment such as knowledge of their job as applied to an Air Force problem or combat situation, leadership, ability as an articulate and positive spokesperson for the Air Force and recognized achievements.
Lieutenant Ramirez said commanders and command chiefs nominate honorees. A letter written by Alamo Chapter president Randy Coggins requested nominations and provided details about the event.
"We're looking for their support in nominating people and attending the ceremony," Lieutenant Ramirez said.
One honoree from each category will also be nominated for a state-level award. Winners of those awards will be announced at the AFA Texas convention July 22-24 in Fredericksburg.
The event will also feature the presentation of the Alamo Chapter AFA awards to the Dr. Kaye H. Biggar Member of the Year, Officer of the Year, NCO of the Year, Military Organization of the Year, Cadet of the Year, Community Partner of the Year, Recruiter of the Year, Civilian of the Year and Teacher of the Year. The winner of the Earle North Parker Essay Contest for area high school seniors will also be honored.
The Air Force Association is a civilian nonprofit organization that addresses the defense responsibilities of the United States, educates members and the public about the development of aerospace power and advocates the military preparedness of the U.S. and its allies.
Today is the deadline for tickets, which are priced at $20 for E-6, O-3, GS-8 and below and $25 for all others. Tickets are available online at www.alamoafa.org.