163d RW member wins state award, receives 1st sergeant of the year

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Paul Duquette
  • 163 RW/Public Affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --     First Sergeant Master Sgt. Jerry Bobo of the 163d Reconnaissance Wing, received 1st Sergeant of the Year during the California Air National Guard 2008 Outstanding Airmen and 1st Sergeant of the Year (OAY) Banquet, held January 12 at the Double Tree Hotel in San Jose, Calif. It was held in conjunction with the Senior Leadership Conference (SLC).    The Airman of the Year Award was created by the Air Force Association (AFA). The goal of the award is to recognize outstanding airmen based on superior job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.
   The AFA selects 12 individuals, one airman, one non-commissioned officer (NCO), one senior NCO and one first sergeant from each Air Force component, active duty, guard and reserve.
   Servicemembers who win their state title of OAY qualify to submit their names to the AFA for the final selection of the program. Winners attend a convention held in Washington, D.C. There they will receive the Outstanding Airman of the Year ribbon with a bronze service star device. They will also serve on the AFA Enlisted Council for one year.
   Nominated from the 163d RW for the OAY was SNCO of the Year, Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Grimes; First Sergeant of the Year, Sergeant Bobo; NCO of the Year, Tech. Sgt. Raymond Blucher; Airman of the Year, Senior Airman Vance Jackson.
The SLC gives the leadership of the California Air National Guard a chance to meet, greet and discuss issues. It also allows each unit a chance to give a brief year-in-review.  
  "I have to admit I was pretty nervous while I sat there waiting to see if my name was selected," said Sergeant Bobo, "When my name was called, the nervousness immediately turned to excitement. Once on stage with the general (Maj. Gen. Dennis Lucas), the excitement turned to pride, the pride in knowing that I was receiving this award not for myself but for every member of the 163d RW." 
   "The turnout this year was fantastic. I was happy to see everyone that represented the 163d RW," said First Sergeant Master Sgt. Michael Shacklett, "After this year, I'm even more excited about next year when we (the 163d RW) get to host the event." 
   "It was great to see one of our individuals get the opportunity to continue on to the national level and compete," said Command Chief Master Sgt. Edwin Clarke. 
   "The highlight of the ceremony for me was the camaraderie. When you attend an event like this, you truly fill like you are part of the 163d Reconnaissance Wing family," said Sergeant Bobo.