Air National Guard Readiness Center recognizes top performers

by Senior Master Sgt. Jerry R. Bynum
Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs

2/7/2014 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- The Air National Guard Readiness Center recognized the outstanding work and accomplishments of the ANGRC's top performers during the ANGRC 4th Quarter Awards Ceremony and Commander's Call Thursday at the ANGRC here.

The ceremony was hosted by Air Force Brig. Gen. R. Scott Williams, the commander of the ANGRC, and focused on the accomplishments of the ANGRC staff.

"This [ANGRC] team continues to prove their dedication to our county by leaning forward and getting the mission done," said Williams.

The top performers for the 4th quarter were:

• Civilian of the Quarter Category 1, Sharnea Craig-Woods, Logistics
• Civilian of the Quarter Category 2, Judy G. Rodgers, Operational Support and Compliance
• Civilian of the Quarter Category 3, Cathy S. Rico, Air, Space and Information Operations
• Airman of the Quarter, Senior Airman Hailey C. Breen, Air Surgeon
• Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter, Tech. Sgt. Daniela W. Ricci, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
• Senior NCO of the Quarter, Master Sgt. Jamel L. Forte, Logistics
• Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, Capt. Thomas B. Billingsley, Commander's Action Team
• Field Grade Officer of the Quarter, Maj. James W. Hudson, Air, Space and Information Operations

Three other members also received recognition. The Command Chief for the ANGRC, Chief Master Sgt. Tony L. Whitehead, Maj. Dianna M. Lebedev, and Master Sgt. Karen A. Marshall received the Meritorious Service Medal.
Whitehead received the MSM, first Oak Leaf Cluster, for his work as the Air National Guard Security Forces Division Career Field Manager from May 16, 2010, to May 5, 2013. Some of his accomplishments included oversight and deployment of more than 4,800 Security Forces members in support various combat operations around the world.

Lebedev received the MSM, first Oak Leaf Cluster, because of her work as the Information Operations Area Functional Manager in the Air, Space and Information Operations Directorate from Oct. 1, 2011, to Aug. 4, 2014, developing the first ever ANG standardized cyber red team to perform a unique operational mission covered by no other source.

Marshall worked as the ANG Recruiting and Retention Creative Advisor from Oct. 1, 2009 to July 31, 2012. She received the MSM for her work creating the first complete return on investment for the military marketing program. This enabled investments to be compared with industry standards, creating a transparent $18 million program.

"My hat is off to each and every one of you," Williams said. "Thank you for all your great work."

Williams took time during the ceremony to discuss the successes of the ANG during 2013 and how those successes were made possible by the groundwork laid at the ANGRC.

"We laid the groundwork in 2013 by improving combat readiness and meeting our end strength in an environment of government shutdown, furloughs and groundings," said Williams. "Amazing ... we saw the benefits of staying focused on our goals. Let's look forward to impact we can have for 2014."