Outstanding Airmen of the Year honored

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- Four Airmen at the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg, W.Va., were honored during the Outstanding Airmen of the Year Recognition Ceremony, March 8.

The ceremony recognized the wing's outstanding Airmen of the year for 2015.

"This program represents the backbone of the wing, our enlisted force," said Chief Master Sgt. Ronald R. Glazer, Sr. command chief at the 167th. "They represent our entire wing. Perfection, high performance, well educated and involved in their community."  

Senior Airman Brock L. Martin, an aerospace medical technician assigned to the 167th Medical Group, was selected as Airman of the Year. He graduated from Basic Military Training Nov. 8, 2010, after his senior year at Chambersburg Area Senior High School in Chambersburg, Pa.
Martin has served in several leadership positions, including NCOIC of the base health promotions program, team lead for five other Airmen, physical training leader and an active member of the West Virginia Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package (CERF-P).

Martin is currently attending Shepherd University pursuing his bachelors degree in nursing. He plans to become an officer as a nurse in the United States Air Force.

Chief Master Sgt. Bill Wnek, the superintendent of the 167th Medical Group said, "He [Martin] is a true embodiment of our core values of integrity, of excellence and of service."

Tech. Sgt. Alan A. Romero, an airfield management craftsman assigned to the 167th Operations Support Squadron, was selected as NCO of the year. He enlisted into the United States Marine Corps Sept. 27, 2001 and later joined the 167th in October 2010.

Romero built a benchmark wing airfield driving program for over 600 drivers and has developed multiple letters of agreements with the base airport authority.  His efforts have improved and strengthened relations between military and civilian flight operations for more efficient airfield operations. 

Romero is presently enrolled as a graduate student at West Virginia University and pursuing an executive masters of business administration degree. He is scheduled to graduate December 2015.

Senior Master Sgt. Chanda N. Keesecker, an airfield manager assigned to the 167th Operational Support Squadron said, "Tech. Sgt. Romero has been an invaluable leader and role model to the operations group and airfield management section."

Keesecker was selected as Senior NCO of the year. She enlisted into the 167th May 1994 after graduating from Hedgesville High School where she received awards as a track star and competed in the state finals all four years of high school.

Keesecker was selected as one of National Guard Bureau's ten Airfield Management Advisory Council members where she assists six other units on airfield related activities. She has a bachelor's degree in accounting and a masters of business administration with a concentration in accounting.

"She [Keesecker] does a tremendous job making sure the airfield is in compliance with the FAA [Federal Flight Administration]  and Air Force directives," Lt. Col. Stuart Brown, the acting commander of the 167th Operations Group. "She takes great care of her people."

Senior Master Sgt. Todd A. Kirkwood, an avionics supervisor assigned to the 167th Maintenance Squadron, was selected as Base Honor Guard of the year. He enlisted into the167th October 1985.

Kirkwood has trained honor guard members to perform at military ceremonies and memorial services.

He has served in many deployments in support of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

NCOIC of the 167th Honor Guard , Master Sgt. Marty Snider said, "It's people like that [Kirkwood], that you want on your team."