Duke Field recognizes outstanding Airmen of 2006

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Buffy Galbraith
  • 919th SOW Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  The 919th Special Operations Wing hosted an annual awards ceremony to honor an Airman, NCO and Senior NCO as the outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2006.

Airman of the Year 

Senior Airman VaShawn Guice, 919th Operations Support Squadron intelligence operations apprentice, is the Airman of the Year. 

"My family instilled high morals and values which built my strong character, and my squadron has fostered and supported my positive work ethics by providing me with the necessary tools to continue performance at outstanding levels," she said. 

It is this positive work ethic that propelled Airman Guice to achieve a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1997 and continue on to earn her master's degree in criminal justice in 2002. 

In her civilian career, she is employed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Administration in Washington, D.C., as a Fatality Analysis Reporting System regional operations manager. 

For other like-minded reservist to achieve this level of recognition, Airman Guice suggests that Airmen take their job seriously and be a team player. 

"One must maintain personal and professional discipline, develop strategies to improve processes, remain open to constructive criticism, and always be willing to assist co-workers whenever needed," she said. 

NCO of the Year 

Tech. Sgt. Cindy Tankersley, 719th Maintenance Squadron aerospace maintenance craftsman, is the NCO of the Year. 

Sergeant Tankersley has received multiple "Excellence in Quality" awards for her accomplishments in aircraft maintenance from the 16th Maintenance Group at Hurlburt Field, Fla. She was also recognized as NCO of the Quarter for April to July in 2006. 

Her interest in the medical field had led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing. 

She routinely uses the skills she learned through her degree as a volunteer patient care technician at the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. She also volunteers her time to mentor students in reading at Oak Hill Elementary and coordinating field trips for the school. 

An advocate for cancer research, Sergeant Tankersley has continuously supported Relay for Life events in Santa Rosa County, helping to raise awareness and research funds for the American Cancer Society. 

Senior NCO of the Year 

Master Sgt. Sybil McDowell, 919th Special Operations Wing career advisor, is the Senior NCO of the Year. 

"Sergeant McDowell is a dynamic role model for junior enlisted members. She blends superior management skills with technical expertise to train and mentor her subordinates, grooming them to be productive and professional airmen," said Maj. Beena Maharaj, 919th Mission Support Flight commander. 

During months of critical manpower shortages in the military personnel flight, she consistently demonstrated strong functional knowledge of numerous vacant work centers. She voluntarily performed duties in relocations, MPF customer service and career enhancement during times of vacancy. 

As an air reserve technician, she provides reservists with information concerning the benefits of an Air Force career and actively participates in the Human Resources Development Counsel. 

During her off-duty time, she coaches youth sports and cheerleading programs and devotes herself to mentor the youth at several church organizations and the Salvation Army of Pensacola. 

"Sergeant McDowell epitomizes the kind of Senior NCO it takes to be a leader," said Major Maharaj. "She humbly attributes her success to prayer and positivism."