WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 445th Airlift Wing has announced the 4th Quarter CY 2024 award winners.
Capt. Devona Bithos, 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron officer in charge of resource management, is the 445th Airlift Wing Company Grade Officer of the Quarter. Bithos overhauled duty titles for 120 members, led strategic modification of 124-unit manning documents, 55 duty titles and 20 individual updates, resulting in a 25% increase in operational effectiveness. The captain directed the management of a $1.1 million travel budget and $300,000 in travel vouchers, implementing resource optimization that ensured 100% mission support, directly advancing the wing’s mission objectives and strategic goals. Bithos led a high-performing 10-member team in processing 89 performance evaluations and 11 decorations, resulting in a 30% boost in efficiency and a 70% reduction in turnaround time for personnel records. She also coordinated a cookout for 50 veterans and their families at a Veterans Affairs Veterans House.
Tech. Sgt. Charles Swaim, 445th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance craftsman, is the 445th Airlift Wing NCO of the Quarter. Swaim revitalized the work center’s consolidated tool room where he developed a systematic approach to the inventory, inspection and tracking on 395 kits. His efforts corrected 56 errors and ensured serviceability of 954 items. He reinvigorated the forklift training program to certify two trainers and provide classes for 120 members, increasing capability by 77%. Sergeant Swaim identified and processed 30 pieces of support equipment for turn-in and re-issuance. These overages saved $315,000 in major command funding and re-purposed over 1,000 square feet of hanger space for deployment preparation. As a community emergency response volunteer, Swaim teamed with 350 members to augment first responders in emergency situations and natural disasters.
Master Sgt. Seth Ravert, 445th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment quality assurance manager, is the 445th Airlift Wing Senior NCO of the Quarter. Quarterbacking AFE’s quality assurance program, Ravert drove 978 equipment inspections while instructing his team during 122 QA inspections, surpassing Headquarters Air Force’s 10% QA policy. A recognized expert, Air Mobility Command consulted him as a subject-matter expert. He led AFE’s eight-person flyaway team that directly supported a large off-site survival training event. Supplied with AFE’s gear, 70 aircrew experienced realistic water survival training with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard with zero equipment failure. Ravert assisted in the transport of over 23,000 pounds of generators, medical supplies, livestock feed and hay, construction materials and food to 150 families in North Carolina displaced due to flooding from Hurricane Helene.
Senior Airman Alexander Hall, 445th Logistics Readiness Squadron material management apprentice, is the 445th Airlift Wing Airman of the Quarter. Hall coordinated supply chain operations for high-demand aviation parts, ensuring 100% on-time delivery of critical assets to aircrews, resulting in zero delays for 12 scheduled missions and improving flight operations by 15%. He optimized the squadron’s parts accountability program by executing a bin inventory for eight aircraft. He inspected 107 assets valued at $867,000 and identified 11 discrepancies, ensuring asset availability for 200 flight hours and 37 sorties. Hall completed 200 mobility spares kit put aways, valued at $275,000, ensuring accurate inventory management and operational efficiency for mobility assets for operation Vigilant Elk Exercise. He led a toy and school supply drive, coordinating 12 volunteers to collect 500 items that benefited 100 children in need.