MPOY Banquet

Lt. Gen. Loren Reno, Air Force deputy chief of staff for logistics, installations and mission support, congratulates Master Sgt. Joseph Monthie, a 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production supervisor, on March 5th during a medallion ceremony held before the start of the maintenance professional of the year banquet. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tracie Forte)

Maintenance Pro Banquet

Published March 11, 2011
By Airman David Owsianka
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 56th Maintenance Group gathered Saturday to honor their finest Airmen at the maintenance professional of the year banquet.

Selections for the awards were based on merit and job performance only. Flights from each squadron submitted one Airman in each category to receive an award.

The nominations outline the individual's accomplishments in his or her job during the year. Squadron winners then competed for the group award.

"I am both humbled and proud to receive my award," said Senior Master Sgt. Reginald Franks, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron, who received the senior NCO of the year indirect sortie support award. "I would like to thank the supervisors I've had at all levels for mentoring me and giving me the opportunity to accomplish our mission. Although the award was given to me, a lot of credit goes to the hard work and effort made by the people with whom I work."

The 56th Fighter Wing's mission is to train the world's greatest F-16 fighter pilots and maintainers while deploying mission-ready warfighters.

"Accomplishing the wing's mission is made possible by the personal commitment to excellence displayed by many people throughout our wing," said Capt. Richard Partain, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron operations officer.

Prior to and during the banquet, squadrons competed for a teamwork award. The teamwork award consisted of three categories -- unit participation, unit calls and unit decorations.

"I think the teamwork award is great," said Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Marulis, 56th CMS Avionics Flight chief. "It's a great way to help bring units closer together."

The small group of winners represent the largest group on base.

"The 19 Airmen who were selected for tonight's awards represent less than one percent of our group," said Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Ewing, 56th Maintenance Operations Squadron Training Flight superintendant. "These winners are truly 'the best-of-the-best.'"