WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 445th Airlift Wing is proud to announce the following Airmen as the first quarter CY16 award winners.
Airman of the Quarter
Senior Airman Robert Wince, 445th Maintenance Group administrative helper, is the 445th Airlift Wing Airman of the Quarter, first quarter. Wince created 12 continuity binders during a personnel turnover to keep his office at a high functioning level. He researched and fixed more than 25 common access cards to scan and update through the Unit Training Assembly Processing System, thus ensuring his office was in compliance. During his off-duty time, Wince is involved in the 445th MXG squadron fun run, helping to enhance unit camaraderie and fitness performance. He’s an active member of the Airman’s Council and recently collected more than 30 pounds of hygiene products for a local Veterans Center. Wince volunteered at a Detroit, Michigan, youth day where he monitored and played games with more than 200 children.
NCO of the Quarter
Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Nickert, 445th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics guidance and control system mechanic, is the 445th Airlift Wing NCO off the Quarter, first quarter. Nickert managed a computer integrated processor/video integrated processor time compliance technical order software update resulting in the increase of processing power for seven aircraft with an eight month early completion time. He created an aircraft integrated avionics systems shop standard task list, enabling an expedient technical order referencing thus increasing task efficiency by 50 percent. During his off-duty time, Nickert volunteered at the Dayton Veterans Administration Stand Down event, helping provide essential clothing and information to more than 300 homeless veterans. Nickert participated in the Bring Hope to the Table campaign, an event that provided more than 30 million meals to local families and food pantries.
445 AW Senior NCO of the Quarter
Senior Master Sgt. Frankie Lowder, Jr., 445th Security Forces Squadron training superintendent, is the 445th Airlift Wing Senior NCO of the Quarter, first quarter. As the training superintendent, Lowder is responsible for organizing and equipping more than 100 Airmen. He organized critical manning coverage for the 88th Air Base Wing security forces by leading 15 Airmen as a support flight during an increased Department of Defense threat level. He oversaw his unit’s first Pre-Raven training program, ensuring readiness for future candidates for wing mobility missions. Lowder volunteered for two humanitarian missions supporting 67 passengers and 140,000 pounds of cargo flown as part of the Haiti relief effort.
Company Grade Officer of the Quarter
Capt. Sonny Hernandez, 445th Airlift Wing chaplain, is the 445th Airlift Wing CGO of the Quarter, first quarter. As a Yellow Ribbon program advocate, Hernandez provided four hours of crisis counseling to seven distressed reservists and accomplished 100 visits for returning Airmen returning from deployment. He counseled 30 Airmen and civilians, providing insight to help the members and their families thrive, even saving two marriages. Hernandez implemented a monthly Bible study session for wing members. He presided over 10 memorial services, supporting more than 500 veterans and their families. During his off-duty time, Hernandez earned a doctorate pastoral leadership from Tennessee Temple University. He preached on two occasions for the Christian Conference with two more scheduled later in 2016. The chaplain is currently writing his second book on family worship and theology.