302nd AW to honor 'Fab 5' in February

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tim Taylor
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFRC) --  One has been down this road before. One went from stripes to bars. Yet another went from bars to stripes.

They are just three of the "fabulous five" individuals who make up the 302nd Airlift Wing's top Airmen for 2006.

On Feb. 10, each will step up and accept his rightful place among the wing's rich history of outstanding performers at the 302nd AW Annual Enlisted Awards Dinner.

Airman of the Year
Senior Airman Abdulganeau Abdulai
302nd Maintenance Squadron
Aerospace maintenance technician

Looking to improve the quality of life for his family, Airman Abdulai, a lieutenant in the Ghana Army, came to the United States. He gave up his commission and eventually became an enlisted member of the Air Force Reserve.

He has quickly made his mark on the wing. In less than two years he's earned an outstanding student performance award at technical school, to be followed by Airman of the quarter and now, the wing's top junior enlisted member.

"To me this has helped build my confidence," he said. "It also gives me the feeling that I belong to the right organization with the right people and the right leaders. It makes me proud of serving in the United States Air Force. I'm also proud of my supervisors for all that they've taught me since I've been here."

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
Master Sgt. Robert Bostick
302nd Services Flight
Services technician

For Sergeant Bostick, winning the annual award is nothing new. He was selected Airman of the Year for the wing and 10th Air Force in 1995 and was a nominee for the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for Air Force Reserve Command. In 1999, he was selected NCO of the Year for the wing and 22nd AF and was AFRC's nominee for the 12 outstanding Airmen.

"I am very honored to be recognized by the 302nd Airlift Wing in being selected as NCO of the Year for 2006," he said. "Through the last year, I have completed goals that I felt were important to me as a person and as a military member and receiving this recognition has provided me with the ability to further guide others to accepting nothing less than 110 percent effort to accomplishing the mission of the 302nd AW and the 302nd Services Flight as well as their personal goals.

"I would like to thank my commander, Maj. Blane Linderman; my chief of services, Chief Master Sgt. Janine Cragin; and my supervisor, Master Sgt. Audra Maryland for recognizing my efforts within the wing."

Senior NCO of the Year
Senior Master Sgt. Garrin Pies
302nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Aircraft maintenance flight line superintendent

It's only fitting the maintainers boast two award winners, given their exemplary aircraft maintenance record during the recent activation., is a CENTCOM deployment veteran.

"To be recognized ahead of my peers is an honor that I never expected," he said. "I appreciate all the hard work and effort that everyone put forth to write my package. This award will be something that I will be able to look back on and be extremely proud of."

First Sergeant of the Year
Master Sgt. Michael Orawiec
302nd Security Forces Squadron
First sergeant

Sgt. Orawiec keeps the SFS tradition of award winners alive. They've won an annual award for at least five years running. Sergeant Orawiec is also the new president of the 302nd AW First Sergeant's Council.

"What an honor being selected as first sergeant of the year," he said. "In this wing we have some of the finest first sergeants you'll find anywhere.

"This award is truly reflective of efforts not only of myself, but collective efforts of my peers, my wife who constantly supports me more than anyone will know, and the members of my squadron and this wing. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful support network. This award equally belongs to them."

Company Grade Officer of the Year
First Lt. Jody Ritchie
302nd Airlift Wing
Public Affairs officer

Lieutenant Ritchie is a former enlisted member and is the wing's Public Affairs officer. For the past six months, since the position became vacant, he has also served as the acting chief of PA during unit training assemblies.

"I've met many sharp CGOs throughout the wing, so being selected for this award is an honor," he said. "Although the award is being presented to me, it's the wing leadership and public affairs staff that made it happen. I wouldn't have been nominated if leadership didn't give me the opportunity and if the PA staff didn't execute."

Notably, Lieutenant Ritchie and Sergeant Bostick began their military careers 20 years ago this year.

Airman Abdulai, Sergeant Bostick and Sergeant Pies will now compete at the 22nd Air Force level in hopes of eventually being named one the AF's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.