WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Congratulations to the following 445th Airlift Wing 1st Quarter CY 2023 award winners;
CGO of the Quarter
Capt. Nathaniel G. Copen, 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron director of operations, is the 445th Airlift Wing Company Grade Officer of the Quarter. Copen orchestrated 46 training and operational missions, 60 sorties, completing over 141.4 flight hours, and ensuring accountability over a $2.5 million budget. He led the collaboration with five different AE squadrons and two weapon systems, ensuring critical training completion and mission readiness for 100 medical personnel. The captain bolstered Air Force medical operations with the coordination of next generation electronic health records to Air Mobility Command’s surgeon general, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois and Air Force Research Laboratory development personnel, preventing mishaps. Copen performed as youth soccer coach, fostering growth and development of 20 children and ensuring life- skills needed were instilled and practiced. He volunteered 17 hours for a local ministry to mentor over 25 members on coping and mental health awareness. His unique approach imparted change and confidence, enabling growth.
SNCO of the Quarter
Senior Master Sgt. Sarah E. Katoski, 445th Aeromedical Staging Squadron NCO in charge, is the 445th Airlift Wing Senior NCO of the Quarter. Katowski deployed in support of Operations Spartan Shield/Enduring Sentinel where she led a 21-member team for Air Force Central Command’s only en route patient staging facility; transporting 514 patients and 172 AE missions. As the 4N Functional Manager and Senior Enlisted Leader for the area of responsibility’s largest medical group, she led 151 members and was essential to AFCENT Surgeon General Team of the Month win. Her leadership abilities synchronized 120 medics across two squadrons and increased emergency medical capabilities by 86%. Katoski overhauled the education and training program, laying the foundation for a robust schedule comprised of 14 courses, two Ability To Survive and Operate Rodeos and 11 readiness skills. She assisted the host nation coordination cell with non-combatant evacuation operations that successfully emigrated 550 Afghan evacuees in support of Operation Enduring Welcome.
NCO of the Quarter
Tech. Sgt. Nathaniel M. Pritchard, 445th Operations Support Squadron SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) operations NCO in charge, is the 445th Airlift Wing NCO of the Quarter. Pritchard led a forward deployment to Jordan, providing personnel recovery mission analysis to rescue forces, culminating in a joint exercise validating emergency signaling and bridging training gaps with U.S. coalition partners. Pritchard led 14 hours of planning and execution for the first ever, “Report and Locate” exercise for the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. Tech. Sgt. Pritchard crushed 60 hours for his paramedic certification and six credit hours went towards his Bachelor of Science degree in fire science, securing a spot on the dean’s list. His education initiative enabled him to provide insight for casualty evacuation and personal recovery awareness for 17 members. The technical sergeant focused on improving his leadership skills completing 26 hours of Leadership Gold and Becoming a Better Supervisor professional development courses while deployed.
Airman of the Quarter
Senior Airman Reuben J. Hershberger, 445th Security Forces Squadron fire team member, is the 445th Airlift Wing Airman of the Quarter. Hershberger was assigned as an assault team leader at Sage Eagle exercise in White Sands, New Mexico, where he led a 5-man fire team integrated with Army Special Forces; bolstering war fighter skills and reinforcing Joint Tasks Force concepts. He developed current training material with a sister service for the Counter small Unmanned Aircraft Systems program; his efforts led to being coined by the 35th Infantry Division commander. Hershberger completed a 40-hour hand-to-hand combatives instructor course, enhancing unit capabilities and readiness with 21 techniques mastered. He dedicated 12 hours with the Airman’s Attic, sorting 250 items. Airman Hershberger was appointed the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response representative, educating 378th Air Expeditionary Wing and Army Company and provided direct support for two cases. He volunteered to be the home station representative and advocate for prevention.