WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 445th Airlift Wing is proud to announce the following Airmen as the fourth quarter CY 21 award winners;
Airman of the Quarter
Senior Airman Cicely McWhorter, 87th Aerial Port Squadron cargo representative, is the 445th Airlift Wing Airman of the Quarter. McWhorter deployed on short notice in support of Operation Allies Welcome, and assisted with a joint reception center floor operations tasking that supported Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., by supporting the receipt of one of the largest humanitarian airlift in 73 years. McWhorter partnered with Team Rubicon and distributed $150,000 in donations to more than 2,300 families in three areas of responsibilities, providing clothes and relief to those who had evacuated. The Airman assisted the non-profit organization International SOS, the world’s leading medical and travel security risk services company, by escorting 61 Afghan females thru medical screenings and helped improve the vaccination process by 20 percent. McWhorter volunteered 40 hours teaching more than 50 Afghan children, instructing math, English and classroom skills. She bridged a culture and an academic gap with the families. The Airman augmented with security forces during night patrol, where she ensured the safety and order of six buildings over a two square mile area of responsibility for 2,300 evacuees.
NCO of the Quarter
Tech. Sgt. Matthias Opitz, 87th Aerial Port Squadron cargo team chief, is the 445th Airlift Wing NCO of the Quarter. Opitz deployed on short notice in support of Operation Allies Welcome, where he led 18-member refugee escort teams supporting Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., receipt of one of the largest humanitarian airlift events in 73 years. He aided the joint reception center linguist and unaccompanied minor program, expediting the mission for 237 personnel that saved 36 man hours and fostered reunification efforts. Opitz managed logistics for Task Force Liberty and aerial port of debarkation; directed transportation for 77 buses, 7,000 bags and 181 guides, ensuring the safe movement for 4,000 Afghan evacuees a month. The sergeant ignited joint reception center professional education seminars by developing lessons, overseeing 12 volumes and instructing one course, bolstering technical and professional abilities for 93 people. Opitz partnered with Team Rubicon, utilizing $150,000 in donations for 2,300 families across three areas of responsibilities, expediting care for Afghan evacuees.
Senior NCO of the Quarter
Master Sgt. Benjamin Kessler, 445th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance NCO in charge, is the 445th Airlift Wing Senior NCO of the Quarter. Kessler was the shift leader for Operation Allies Refuge where he oversaw an eight-member team; his efforts enabled 116 deployers and 124,000 Afghans to be evacuated. He revitalized the flight safety program, he identified and corrected 37 deficiencies and authored lock-out and tag-out procedures. He directed a C-17 cargo ramp overhaul, executed depot level repair with a 12-member team and averted a three-week repair and modification service hold, saving a $296,000 asset. Kessler coached a local Olentangy Youth Athletic Association soccer team where he volunteered 31 hours and led 20 practices and eight games. He mentored 13 junior Reserve Citizen Airmen, providing professional development, education and guidance.
Company Grade Officer of the Quarter
Capt. Megan Busellato, 445th Aeromedical Staging Squadron physician assistant, is the 445th Airlift Wing Company Grade Officer of the Quarter. Busellato accelerated the assembly of $1.2 million in critical medical equipment and established the initial expeditionary medical support system hospital. She coordinated a joint force immunization event that included COVID-19 vaccinations; 8,920 patients vaccinated in 72 hours. Busellato implemented a joint task force disease protocol for 10,000 Afghan evacuees, controlling the spread of eight communicable diseases. She volunteered to work Operation Allies Welcome and Task Force Liberty. She stood up five medical tent facilities; emergency department, pediatrics, obstetrics and pharmacy departments were integrated with more than 150 International SOS personnel—3,000 Afghan evacuees were treated, $15 million in care was provided in the first week.