WRIGHT-PATTERON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 445th Airlift Wing is proud to announce the following Airmen as the 2nd quarter CY 2024 award winners;
Company Grade Officer of the Quarter
Capt. Joel Russo, 445th Logistics Readiness Squadron material management flight commander, is the 445th Airlift Wing Company Grade Officer of the Quarter. Russo led a nine-member team on his annual tour to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where his team powered $500,000 in parts movement and distribution of 1.6 million gallons of fuel; enabling completion of 945 F-35 Lightning II and F-15 Eagle training sorties. He directed three multi-capable Airmen training events with the 87th Aerial Port, 445th Operations Group and 445th Aircraft and Maintenance Squadrons, training 30 Airmen across six career fields, driving the completion of 67 cut training tasks in compliance with task order TASKORD 2023-1. Russo initiated a Ready Airmen training event and led classes for 85 members. He connected an Airman struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder to a non-profit specializing in PTSD treatment. Russo organized an event with the Eglin AFB Fisher House, where he led eight volunteers in their largest annual fund-raising event, serving 10,000 participants and raising over $35,000 for military families.
Senior NCO of the Quarter
Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Valenzuela, 445th Aeromedical Staging Squadron nursing services superintendent, is the 445th Airlift Wing Senior NCO of the Quarter. Valenzuela filled a senior enlisted leader position, overseeing 145 members in eight career fields and was dual duty as superintendent. He provided strategic guidance and was integral in the deployment of three Critical Care Air Transport members. He leveraged his medical expertise when he led four Airmen in 80 hours of training at Mercy Health Hospital and coordinated with civilian staff to support the care of 120 patients and $7,400 in costs. Valenzuela led planning for a 2-day mass casualty exercise and synchronized a joint training platform for three squadrons with $135,000 in assets. As a Civil Air Patrol senior member, Valenzuela devoted more than 20 hours towards mentorship of 30 youth cadets on aerospace and innovation, instilling cohesion to help grow future Air Force leaders. He received his general aviation commercial pilots license where he amassed more than 300 flight hours with single/multi-engine aircraft.
NCO of the Quarter
Tech. Sgt. Marissa Lawson, 445th Force Support Squadron education and training craftsman, is the 445th Airlift Wing NCO of the Quarter. Lawson conducted 152 education counselings, initiated 63 Community College of the Air Force action requests and approved more than 20 tuition assistance requests, facilitating the allocation of more than $16,130. She resolved a backlog, providing dual wing support amidst a shortage in full-time staff. She accomplished more than 180 personnel actions, encompassing upgrades, supporting over 34 unit training managers, using effective time management techniques. Lawson handled more than 20 Foreign Language Proficiency bonuses, using precise documentation she resolved missing payments through multi office coordination, resulting in members receiving over $6,000, averting potential financial hardships. Lawson completed 12 credit hours with a 4.0 GPA while pursuing an advanced nursing degree. She fulfilled honor guard responsibilities for three retirement ceremonies, devoting over 8 hours of her time, ensuring each event was carried out with the highest level of precision.
Airman of the Quarter
Senior Airman Ashli Morris 87th Aerial Port Squadron passenger services representative, is the 445th Airlift Wing Airman of the Quarter. While backfilling a senior master sergeant position, Morris was appointed the Self-Assessment Program Manager for her squadron. Within 30 days, she learned to utilize the Management Internal Control Tool to record the unit's health under the Air Force Inspection System; managing 61 checklists totaling 204 items. She collaborated with squadron leadership to update and streamline the processing of material handling equipment trainers. Her efforts added an additional six members qualified; closing the gap for visibility, fulfilling voids in reporting on unit type code packages and increasing deployment readiness for the upcoming mobilization order. Morris is a member of the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Education Committee and is responsible for developing and implementing disaster evacuation training for all nursing staff in her region. She holds the secretary position on the 87th APS Rising 6 Executive Council.