Annual best are TEC's collective success, says commander

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
  • I.G. Brown Training and Education Center
MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. --  The Commander of the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center announced here Jan. 7 the organization's NCO, Senior NCO and Civilian of the Year.

"Please join me in congratulating these amazing teammates!" said Col. Jessica Meyeraan, in an email. "Their contributions, selfless service and dedication to excellence are inspiring and deeply appreciated." 

The TEC recognizes its top performers each year from its staff of more than 80 personnel from the Total Air Force and the civilian workforce.

The 2014 Outstanding Airmen of the Year are:

Senior Noncommissioned Officer: Senior Master Sgt. Kimberly Bowers is superintendent of the Commander's support staff in the Mission Support Division.

Noncommissioned Officer: Tech. Sgt. James Laws is an enlisted professional military education instructor for the Paul H. Lankford Enlisted PME Center.

Civilian: Mr. Dustin Russell is an instructional systems specialist in the Media and Engagement Division.

"No one in this organization achieves success alone, said Meyeraan.

"It takes support and assistance from subordinates, peers and supervisors to make a difference. 

"As we celebrate with James, Kim and Dustin, I want to thank all of you for what you do day in and day out to make TEC so great."

Bowers previously served as the Prime Base Engineers Emergency Force manager for the Tennessee Air National Guard's 134th Air Refueling Wing. She began her military service in 1991 as a drill-status information specialist. 

The TEC recognized Laws in September as the third quarter top NCO. He is a career-long precision measurement equipment laboratory specialist in the regular Air Force. He joined the TEC last January.

Mr. Russell is an Air Force veteran who creates advanced distributive learning products for the Air National Guard as well as certifies satellite education facilitators and career field trainers through the Instructor Certification Program, among other duties. He previously worked as a high school English teacher.

Supervisors submit quarterly and annual awardee nominations based on their significant accomplishments, self-improvement and base or community involvement and are selected by the commander after a recommendation from a peer-review board.

Awardees receive recognition at the next commander's call, a time-off award and other accolades.