445th AW announces annual award winners

  • Published
  • By 445th Public Affairs
  • 445th Airlift Wing
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The 445th Airlift Wing announced the winners of the Airman of the Year, Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, and the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

Senior Airman Matthew McDonald has been selected as the Airman of the Year. He is assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate office. Airman McDonald created a paperless file management system that exceeds Air Force requirements. He was the first Air Force Reserve pipeline student to attend the Paralegal Apprentice Course, where he was a distinguished graduate. At only 20-years-old, Airman McDonald received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Ohio State University.

Tech. Sgt. Nathan Lowman has been selected as the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. He is assigned to the 445th Maintenance Operations Flight. Sergeant Lowman processed more than 9 million pounds of mail while deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. He recently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in professional aeronautics. Sergeant Lowman is active in the local community to include escorting World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., and being an active member of the Wounded Warrior Project.

Senior Master Sgt. Charles Duke has been selected as the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. He is assigned to the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. Sergeant Duke was selected as the unit's top performer during a recent unit compliance inspection and as a superior performer by the Health Services Inspection team. Sergeant Duke is a community activist who volunteers and teaches vocational and technical cluster at the YMCA. He is currently pursuing an education degree in training and development at Northcentral University.