5th AF CC applauds award winners, thanks Misawa Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Lt. Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, visited Misawa Air Base April 23 to highlight Airmen who earned 5th AF-level awards and addressed the men and women of the 35th Fighter Wing.

"The members of your team have distinguished themselves, not only here within your wing, but throughout the entire 5th Air Force," said General Rice.

Misawa Airmen took three out of five categories in 2009.

Master Sergeant Rodney Neiss, 35th Maintenance Squadron chief maintenance inspector, earned Senior NCO of the Year, and Tech. Sgt. Paul Barentine, 35th Security Forces Squadron military working dog kennel master, earned NCO of the Year.

Capt. Alan Haedge, director of operations from the 35th Communications Squadron, was not present to accept recognition as the Company-Grade Officer of the Year.

"You can hear by the citations of these award winners, what it takes to get recognized at this level," said the general. "It isn't about what you do specifically to earn the award, it is what you do every day to get the job done."

One award recipient expressed the humbleness accompanying the award and of his opportunity to meet General Rice for the first time.

"Having the general present this award was one of the biggest honors in my Air Force career and certainly nothing I will soon forget," said Sergeant Barentine. But the kennel master said he attributes his success to those he works with on a daily basis at Misawa.
"This award is a true statement of how exceptional the people around me really are," said Sergeant Barentine. "I have a great staff here at the kennels ... my supervisors care greatly about their Airmen, and really I consider it more of a team accomplishment for security forces rather than my own. I know that sounds cliché, but the truth is - nobody gets an award at that level without being surrounded by phenomenal people."

Following the award presentations, General Rice opened a question and answer session to allow Airmen to directly ask about issues impacting them.

He also applauded Misawa's Airmen on the hard work they do to accomplish their mission.

"My hat's off to all of you for the attention and detail that you apply everyday to your jobs," said General Rice. "I ask that you maintain that, if anything, ramp it up.

You are doing great," said the general.