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JBSA News
NEWS | Nov. 20, 2006

Cryptologic Systems Group to receive both SNCO and NCO Sijan Leadership Award

By 2nd Lt Kristina Campana 37th Training Wing Public Affairs

Master Sgt. Richard Saldana, the mission support superintendent in the Cryptological Systems Group, will receive the 2006 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award for a senior NCO.

According to award citation Sergeant Saldana, "expertly manages the entire Group's Client Support Administration training program, while providing safety information and assistance for over 800 personnel." Further, "he is self-starter and model manager".

He initiated directorate Electronic Records management program. Sergeant Saldana "set new standards by being a key player on the Group's Unit Compliance Inspection Team."

For his superior performance and selfless work ethic Sergeant Saldana was named CSPG's Senior NCO of the Year, as well as the Electronic System Center's Communication and Information Professional of the Year.

Not only does Sergeant Saldana stand out in his career in the Air Force his volunteer service has helped make the community a better place.

He was awarded the Indian Creek Elementary School Mentor's Certificate for exceptional dedication to at-risk students.

Additionally, "Sergeant Saldana has helped to provide numerous underprivileged senior citizens with meals during the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner and he also did volunteer work at the San Antonio Food Bank."

Tech. Sgt. Patricia Vandergrift, NCO in charge of the Cryptologic and Signal Intelligence Repair Facility, will receive the 2006 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award for a junior NCO.

According to award citation, Sergeant Vandergrift, led the first-ever depot logistics training workshop, where she trained 71 personnel.

She was recognized in 2005 as the CPSG NCO of the Year and the Electronic System Center NCO of the Year. Her outstanding character does just cover job tasks; she also excels at Air Force fitness standards.

Besides devoting herself to the Air Force, Sergeant Vandergrift has contributed to the larger community outside of Lackland.

"She is always the first one to volunteer." "Sergeant Vandergrift has helped make Veterans' Day special for several patients at the Audie Murphy Memorial Hospital through volunteering and soliciting others to help." Furthermore, "she organized 50 volunteers to help make Halloween memorable in the pediatric ward."

The award is given in honor of the late Capt. Lance P. Sijan, the first Air Force Academy graduate awarded the Medal of Honor.

Capt. Sijan was an F-4 pilot downed in North Vietnam in November 1967. Though badly wounded, he evaded the enemy for over six weeks before being captured.

Poor treatment led to his death in January 1968 after being held as a prisoner-of-war for two months without giving any information except his name.

The award distinguishes air force members who knowledgeably portray leadership not only in their work duties but also in their lives.