501st CSW names 2012's Airmen of the Year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  In a gala event held at the RAF Croughton Crown Feb. 8, the 501st Combat Support Wing announced their Annual Award winners for 2012 in 10 categories including: Airman, Non-Commissioned Officer, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, First Sergeant, Company Grade Officer, Honor Guard, Civilian Category I, Civilian Category II, Civilian Volunteer and Key Spouse.

The winners will represent the 501st CSW during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Annual Awards competition.

"We are extremely proud of all the nominees for their accomplishments over the past year," said Col. Brian Kelly, 501st CSW commander. "The nominees competing at this level truly are the best of the best in the wing; they have led by example and showcase the excellence we strive for in the 501st [CSW]."

The annual awards banquet recognizes the nominees for their superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.

"What a fantastic night to honor all of our nominees and our winners," said Kelly. "It was a great year for the 501 Combat Support Wing and I know 2013 will be an even better year."

The Annual Award winners for the 501st CSW are:


Airman of the Year:
Airman 1st Class Nicholas Mylius, 423rd Security Forces Squadron, was named the 501st CSW's Airman of the Year. Mylius, from Yuma, Ariz., was handpicked to attend the Capitol Hill Summit, where he represented the wing's enlisted corps. He also volunteered at the Manor School where he passed on lessens to at-risk United Kingdom teens; the program was recognized by the Royal Family.

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year:
Staff Sgt. Jason Kimball, 422nd Communications Squadron, was named the 501st CSW's NCO of the Year. Kimball, from Watertown, N.Y., was identified as USAFE's system expert when he created and directed the major command's secure video teleconference plan. During this time, he linked 114 bases with zero downtime.

Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year:
Master Sgt. William Rudd, 421st Air Base Group legal office, was named the 501st CSW's Senior NCO of the Year. Rudd led the legal office through the Consolidated Unit Inspection and was rated the best office in USAFE and the second of 21 offices inspected Air Force-wide. Rudd was also selected for the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer School.

First Sergeant of the Year:
Master Sgt. Rocky Casto, 423rd Air Base Group, was named the 501st CSW's First Sergeant of the Year. Casto, from Prescott, Ariz., trained and mentored two members on the first sergeant special duty; both were then selected to attend the First Sergeant Academy. He also led the Angel Tree program, which supported 58 children during Christmas.

Company Grade Officer of the Year:
Capt. Derek Gregory, 423rd Civil Engineer Squadron, was named the 501st CSW's Company Grade Officer of the Year. Gregory, from Franklin, N.C., led a 92-member workforce in the execution of 14,000 work orders, 65,000 man-hours and $4.8 million worth of MoD labor resulting in real property valued at $1.2 billion being mission ready. He also deployed as a joint engineer project manager where he validated, reviewed and solicited approval for projects valued at $6 million spanning six regional commands and 330 bases.

Civilian Category I:
Paul Oakes, 423rd Civil Engineer Squadron, was named the 501st CSW's Civilian Category I of the Year. In 2012, Oakes, from Ayr, Scotland, drove a shift of 27 firefighters' DoD certification rate from 85 percent to 96 percent in six months, which is the best in USAFE. He also built a new firefighter maintenance program for an aging $10 million fire truck fleet, which earned him a "Top Wheels" award and "Outstanding" rating by 501st CSW Logistics.

Civilian Category II:
Christine Kaleikini, 423rd Force Support Squadron, was named the 501st CSW's Civilian Category II of the Year. In 2012, Kaleikini, from Lewiston, Idaho, stood out among the community when she improved the health and welfare of more than 500 children at Royal Air Force Alconbury. She organized the American Kids Run event for 230 children and rallied another 290 children to support the London Olympics by attending Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" kick-off event. Kaleikini's Youth Center team was also recognized as the major command's Youth Program of the Year.

Honor Guard:
Staff Sgt. Karl Musick, 422nd Communications Squadron, was named the 501st CSW's Honor Guard of the Year. Musick led the RAF Welfrod/Bicester Remembrance Day Parade where he honored World War I and World War II veterans. Throughout the year, he led 17 Airmen through 750 hours of ceremonies and events around RAF Croughton.

Civlian Volunteer:
Sarah Zdyrko, 422nd Family Support Center, was named the 501st CSW's Civilian Volunteer of the Year. Zdyrko, from Bicester, United Kingdom, was an integral part of the planning committee for the World War II Fighter Pen Ceremony, helping preserve the Royal Air Force's heritage on the base. She is also a weekly youth leader for the Bicester Youth Program, helping keep youth off the streets and involved in local activities.

Key Spouse:
Monica Fullerton, 422nd Security Forces Squadron, was named the 501st CSW's Key Spouse of the Year. Fullerton initiated the Key Spouses Facebook page, where she reached 90 percent of the spouses. She also meets and greets new squadron spouses at billeting welcoming them to the squadron.