ANGRC leadership recognizes top performers, shares story of heroism

by Master Sergeant Marvin R. Preston
Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs

8/15/2014 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- The Air National Guard Readiness Center recognized the outstanding work and accomplishments of their top performers during the 2nd Quarter Awards Ceremony and Commander's Call Aug. 14 at the ANGRC here.

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

"The ANGRC team has proven their dedication to defending the nation by leaning forward and accomplishing the mission every day," said Taheri.

The top performers for the 2nd quarter were:

● Civilian of the Quarter Category 1, Gloria Fernandez, Installations and Mission Support
● Civilian of the Quarter Category 3, James A. Guevara, Logistics
● Airman of the Quarter, Brittney S. Bankston, Air Reserve Personnel Center
● Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter, Technical Sgt. Kristin N. Schultz, Human Resources
● Senior NCO of the Quarter, Senior Master Sgt. Angel L. Luna, Logistics
● Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, Capt. Jessica R. Gruver Koefod, Air Operations
● Field Grade Officer of the Quarter, Maj. Drew D. Roper, Plans and Programs

Taheri also used the occasion to talk about Master Sgt. Michael Sears, an Explosive Ordinance Disposal technician assigned to the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard. Sears was recently awarded the Silver Star Medal, the nation's third-highest award for valor.

As part of a three-man EOD team, Sears was engaged with enemy forces September 29, 2012, in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, when a rocket-propelled grenade hit a Polish mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle and seriously injuring the driver. Leaving cover behind, Sears repeatedly sprinted 150 yards through enemy gunfire to direct his team in returning fire.

Sears fired more than 190 rounds from his M4 rifle, and is credited with saving the life and protecting the wounded Polish soldier, and protecting a Polish medic.

Taheri talked about how directorates at the ANGRC play a direct role in mission success through equipping, properly training and adequately funding ANG Airmen around the world.

"This is someone who clearly deserves the Silver Star, but I would tell you that you have a lot do with that," said Taheri. "At the end of the day, it's fundamentally the team here that resources the 105,400 and supports them in every way. I'm proud to know that it's this [ANGRC] team that stands behind and supports those people conducting those combat operations worldwide."