WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Senior Master Sgt. Rhonda Gambill, 87th Aerial Port Squadron first sergeant, was selected as the 2018 Air Force Reserve Command First Sergeant of the Year. The announcement was made March 27, 2019.
Not only is Gambill the first sergeant for the 87th APS, she is currently serving as the first sergeant for Headquarters, Air Force Materiel Command, a position normally held by an active duty member. Gambill is the first reserve first sergeant to serve at the headquarters level of a different major command.
Gambill led 848 joint forces Airmen from 13 nations, 25 organizations and 100 Air Force career fields while deployed down range. She coordinated five key spouses, managed an on-line forum for the spouses and their families and established 24/7 support for her deployed Airmen.
Gambill oversaw the Diamond Sharp program where she coordinated with 17 squadrons and public affairs to ensure deserving Airmen were recognized. She guided the first AFRC Senior NCO leadership course in the Area of Responsibility, mentoring total force, joint and coalition members during the course. She managed the junior enlisted development re-organization and established the Rising 6, a program that provided 40 Airmen and NCOs with leadership tools and self-improvement.
As a wing mentor, Gambill crafted the Total Force ‘Coalition Conversations’ a program composed of five panels, 20 speakers for 120 joint service members from four nations. As a City Commissioner, she resolved two human rights issues and designed a city arts and education contest that had 85 entries.