59th MDW mental health tech named AETC outstanding Airman

by Nathan Simmons
59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

5/2/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- A mental health technician from the 59th Mental Health Squadron has established herself as one of Air Education and Training Command's finest service members.

Senior Airman Casey Anderson was named one of the command's outstanding enlisted Airmen of the year for 2013. The accolade comes on the heels of other recognition, including Anderson's selection as the AETC Mental Health Airman of the Year, and the 59th Medical Wing Airman of the Year.

"We congratulate all of these individuals for their incredible commitment and wish them the best of luck at Air Force level competition," said AETC Commander Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. in a message to the command. "In addition, we greatly appreciate those supervisors and commanders who invested the time and effort to recognize all of their superior performers."

Anderson said her passion for caring for Airmen is what motivates her to strive for excellence.

"My inspiration and motivation is sparked by working with the Air Force's most prized and priceless assets - the members," Anderson said. "Being able to carry on the heritage and tradition of the Air Force culture as a part of the one percent of Americans who get to put on this uniform fills me with exceptional pride."

Among countless other accomplishments, Anderson was hand-picked by the Air Force Medical Operations Agency as a brain study site officer, in a program that is saving the Defense Department an estimated $66 million.

"We are proud of Senior Airman Casey Anderson and we are fortunate to have her as part of the 59th Medical Wing family. She exemplifies the 'Outstanding Airman' and is consistently striving to excel in all aspects of her life," said Lt. Col. Mitzi Thomas-Lawson, commander, 59th Mental Health Squadron.

"This is evident in her excellent work performance as a mental health technician in Neuropsychology, and with her selection as the 2012 Air Force Medical Service's mental health technician of the year," Thomas-Lawson added.

Her selection as one of AETC's outstanding Airmen catapults her to the next level of completion at Air Force.

"This award does not only represent me, but all of those around me - my leadership, mentors, peers and subordinates," Anderson said. "I would not have been nominated for this award if not for their guidance and the opportunities they afforded me in the exploration of my passion in mental health and social work."