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Tinker Honor Guard rewards top performers

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Heather I.L. Boytim and Staff Sgt. Lindsay K. Roe
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  Airmen of the Tinker Air Force Base Honor Guard, whose dedication is exemplified in every distinctive ceremony and presentation of the American Flag, pay tribute to those who have served a grateful nation. These impressive ceremonial guardsmen and women showcase their pride with every clicking heel and crisp movement.
   Distinguished guests, family and friends gathered for the Honor Guard's annual awards banquet Oct. 11 at the Tinker Club. The ceremony was held to commend the members serving in the Honor Guard and to recognize nominees and award recipients.
   The 2007 winners in each category were:
   Newcomer of the Year: Senior Airman Hector Campos, 72nd Contracting Squadron
   Esprit de Corps: Staff Sgt. Calvin Speed, 552nd Maintenance Operations Squadron
   Flight NCOIC of the Year: Master Sgt. Jay Brimmer, 552nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
   Flight OIC of the Year: Capt. Timothy Brokaw, 564th Aircraft Mainenance Squadron
   Air National Guard Member of the Year: Senior Airman Twana Ford, 137th Services Squadron
   Reserve Member of the Year: Staff Sgt. Randy Schell, 507th Services Squadron
   Ceremonial Guardsman of the Year -- Airman Category: Senior Airman Thomas Murray, 72nd Medical Operations Squadron
   Ceremonial Guardsman of the Year Junior NCO Category: Tech. Sgt. Patrick Heston, 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron
   Ceremonial Guardsman of the Year SNCO Category: Master Sgt. Vincent Smith, 552nd Maintenance Squadron
  Ceremonial Guardsman of the Year Officer Category: 1st Lt. Cassandra Henneberry, 72nd Communications Squadron
   Maj. Gen. Loren M. Reno, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center commander, expressed his profound gratitude to the Honor Guard for selflessly performing 667 honors in 2007.
   "I am extremely proud of our Honor Guard and the professionalism they show in the performance of their duty," General Reno said. "I am grateful for their service to Tinker, the community and the United States Air Force ... they perfectly blend service before self and excellence in all they do."
   The Honor Guard Staff recognized Chief Master Sgt. Phillip M. Cherry, Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 72nd Air Base Wing, as an Honorary Tinker Honor Guard Member Inductee for 2007. He was selected for his significant support and contributions to the Honor Guard. In addition to receiving this award, Chief Cherry conveyed thought-provoking words on the importance of one possessing character.
   The evening was not only a time to thank the Honor Guard members for their service and dedication, but also to reflect on the importance of character and upholding the core values of the United States Air Force: Integrity First; Service Before Self; Excellence in All We Do.