445th Airlift Wing Youth of the Year announced

  • Published
  • By 445th Airlift Wing
  • Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The youth of a 445th Logistics Readiness Airman was selected as the wing's Youth of the Year 2009 during the 445th Airlift Wing's Annual Awards Banquet May 1. This is the first time the award has been presented at the wing.

Thomas Ozio, son of Chief Master Sgt. Shirley Ozio, was presented the award by Col. Stephen Goeman, 445 AW commander, along with Chief Master Sgt. Peri Rogowski, 445 AW command chief, and guest speaker for the banquet, retired Major Gen. Edward Mechenbier. The period of service for the award was Jan. 1 thru Dec. 31, 2009.

Thomas, a senior at Centerville High School, improved his semester grade point average between Spring 2009 to Fall 2009; going from a 3.06 to a 3.50. He was recently accepted to attend Sinclair Community College for the summer 2010 term, starting college courses ahead of his peers.

The teenager is active in school events and in the community. He participated in his school's Booster Booth fundraiser, netting more than $7,000 for the athletic department. Thomas also placed third overall at the St. Leonards Retirement Village 5k run with the proceeds benefitting several Catholic charities. Thomas assisted in the Centerville Americana Festival parade last year and he continues to be an active member of the Ohio River Road Runners Club.

Recently earning Eagle Scout, Thomas has earned bronze and gold Palm for an additional three months of active Scouting, earning five merit badges each.
The young man has many projects under his leadership during the award period. He developed training runs and led practices during his role as the cross country captain. He also provided a weekly radio program at his school; discussing current events, politics, school events and giving commentary.

Thomas is also a regular volunteer at the Dayton Children's Hospital, teaching patients how to make paper airplanes and once managed the "fly the farthest" contest.

Thomas was given a plaque and a gift card.