COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Team BLAZE celebrated the hard work of Airmen throughout the wing during the 2017 Annual Awards Banquet Feb. 9, on Columbus Air Force Base.
Fifty-five members and two flights, which represented 20 categories, were recognized and competed for 20 wing level awards.
After social hour, the nominees were formally introduced as they made their way through a saber arch.
Senior Master Sgt. Garrick Christian, 14th Operations Support Squadron chief of air traffic control, created a video highlighting the history of Columbus AFB, showed the importance and impact of the current mission and nominees in a unique interview format. The attendees were treated to a video in contrast to a traditional guest speaker.
Col. Douglas Gosney, 14th Flying Training Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jonathan Hover, 14th Flying Training Wing command chief, presented the awards and left the banquet with closing remarks.
“We can’t do what we do without the support or sacrifices the family members make every day, whether they’re a nominee or a winner, you had a piece in that as well,” Gosney said. “To the supervisors, I know you’re out there; thanks for putting the time and effort to mentor these Airmen year round. … Award winners and nominees; congratulations the competition was tough, really tough, so congratulations on the amazing performances this year.”
During the awards presentation, Team BLAZE members were recognized for winning 19th Air Force level awards:
Honor Guard Program Manager: Staff Sgt. Janessa D. Ebbert
Training Support Civilian Cat I: Michael W. Keasler
The 19th Air Force winners will go on to compete at the Air Force Association Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida.