Dyess SNCO named Outstanding Airman of the Year

by Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Master Sgt. Celeste Okokon, 7th Aerospace Medicine Squadron flight chief, was selected as Outstanding Airman of the Year. She was cited for performance, leadership, self-improvement and community involvement, demonstrating epitomize the Air Force's core values; integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.

"Master Sgt. Okokon is a huge asset to our team," said Senior Master Sgt. Lee Lannen. "Her drive and ambition is an example for future leaders in our Air Force; she is someone we all can follow."

Okokon was born into a military family in Colorado Springs, Colo. At a young age she says she decided to dedicate herself to a career in the military.

"I always wanted to join the family business and that is the military," Okokon said. "I wanted to serve my country, while getting a good education and seeing the world."

Okokon's belief is to always make herself available to other people no matter who they are and to treat everyone with the utmost respect regardless of their rank or position.

"I love to help people and be that go to person," she said. "I have to be a part of everything, so I'm constantly running around the medical building checking up on projects and asking where I can help out."

As a flight chief, Okokon supervises more than 34 enlisted and civilian personnel during daily operations in Dyess' dental clinic. She is also responsible for support and clinical functions, which provide care for nearly 5,000 patients at Dyess.

Okokon is one of only 46 certified national dental hygienists in the Air Force. As Dyess' single-certified hygienist, she served as a key leader in achieving the base's 97 percent dental readiness, the highest in Air Combat Command. Her attention to detail aided in improving her units production by 30 percent and reducing the base population's dental disease by 50 percent, according to her citation.

Aside from her duties in the dental clinic, Okokon plays a critical role in several organizations across Dyess. She is the vice-president of the medical group's Top-4, treasurer for the base's Top-3, member of the Air Force Sergeant's Association and the American Dental Education Association.

"Never say no to an opportunity, no matter how hard it may seem," Okokon said. "You want people to know who you are and go to you for your help."

This outstanding Airman looks forward to the opportunities and challenges that await her after being distinguished for her devotion to the mission and her Airmen.

"This motivates me to do more, I'm really excited to progress from where I am now," she exclaimed. "I want to keep climbing the ladder and see how far I can go."

Okokon says she will continue to aim high by setting her sights on a position that is considered by many to be the pinnacle of enlisted Air Force careers.

"My ultimate goal is to be the chief master sergeant of the Air Force," Okokon said with a smile running from ear to ear. "I want to be the first woman to do it, and I won't stop working until I make it."