AFSC announces annual military award winners Published Feb. 26, 2014 By Lt. Gen. Bruce Litchfield AFSC Commander TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- I want to congratulate our Air Force Sustainment Center annual military award winners. These high performers have gone above and beyond what's been asked of them in supporting their fellow warfighters. A personal 'thank you' goes out to each and every one of the nominees. This year's award winners: Airman of the Year Senior Airman Samantha Cooper, 635th Supply Chain Operations Wing, Scott AFB, Ill. Airman Cooper, a technician with the Tankers and Special Mission Support flight, provides materiel support to 47 locations worldwide. She partnered with Tinker Air Force Base to coordinate the KC-135 boom release that boosted parts flow by 45 percent. She also worked acquisitions and requirements with teams from Global Strike command, and the AWACS and JSTARS weapons systems. Airman Cooper also earned her CCAF degree in Business and Logistics Management with a 4.0 grade point average. Active in the community, Airman Cooper has mentored in the Junior Achiever program, volunteered in the Airman Against Drunk Driving program, is president of the group "First Four" and secretary for Team Scott "First Four," devoting 571 hours to fundraisers for health organizations and kidney research. Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Staff Sgt. Dominique Williams-Harrington, 78th Air Base Wing, Robins AFB, Ga. Sergeant Williams-Harrington, a network infrastructure supervisor with the 72nd Air Base Wing Communications Directorate, leads a seven-member team, supporting $286 million network for six commands, four wings, 37 tenant units. He upgraded network devices, developed a preventative maintenance program, engineered a port security solution, saving $200,000 annually. Sergeant Willams-Harrision also earned his CCAF degree and completed the Network Management Infrastructure course. He designed a unit physical training program that lead to a 93 percent pass rate, with more than half of Airmen receiving above 90. Secretary for Network 56 and Booster Club president, he has organized volunteer service at a Refuge meal and raised funds for unit morale events. He also volunteered as an AADD advocate, leading five volunteers for 15 hours and transporting 13 Airmen. Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Master Sgt. Zachary Merkl, 72nd Air Base Wing, Tinker AFB, Okla. Sergeant Merkl, non-commissioned officer in charge of training at the 72nd Security Forces Squadron, guided a team of 570 joint defenders from the Air Force, Navy, and Department of Defense civilian police through 60 training days, ensuring Tinker's diverse base defense mission. He worked with the Secret Service lead a security detail assigned to tornado victims during a visit from the President after the May 2013 tornado. Sergeant Merkl also coordinated sexual assault forums with the SARC, organized active shooter training, created a Taser program with eight classes for defenders, increased defenders' hands-on training time by 25 percent and managed an augmentee program that boosted the bases defense capability. Sergeant Merkl is working toward a master's degree in professional counseling. He is the Air Force Sergeant's association vice president and organized 11 wing-level promotion ceremonies, and helped raise more than $3,000 for tornado relief. First Sergeant of the Year Master Sgt. Jamie Eichhorn, 75th Air Base Wing, Hill AFB, Utah Sergeant Eichhorn, the first sergeant for the 75th Medical group, helped save the lives of four suicidal Airmen and engaged the chain of command in treatment and recovery. As an instructor for a progressive discipline course she standardized action for five commanders and helped 35 supervisors expand their rehabilitation tools. Sergeant Eichhorn led 20 NCOs conducting the Chief of Staff of the Air Force-directed health and wellness inspection, orchestrated the group's Wingman Day activities, served as the vice president of the First Sergeant's Council, lead the first sergeant panel for the Company Grade Officer Preparatory Course, and teamed with the FBI and local police to facilitate interviews during a homicide investigation and respond to three high-risk incidents. She is working toward her master's degree in management. Sergeatn Eichhorn helped raise more than $26,000 as treasurer for Operation Warmheart, mentored at Airman Leadership School, and served on the Air Force Ball committee. Company Grade Office of the Year Capt. Maegan Sutton, 72nd Air Base Wing, Tinker AFB, Okla. Captain Sutton, military personnel section chief for the 72nd Force Support Squadron, served as the deployed ISO for the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. While deployed, she led 162 personnel, oversaw seven facilities, sustained 3,200 members and led a $14.3 million food operation and $9 million lodging operation. She oversaw a no-notice bed down for 125 special operations troops who were assisting in an embassy evacuation. Captain Sutton initiated a warehouse overhaul, relocated and condensed tent space, directed the upgrade of 73 tents and 'quarterbacked' bi-annual audits, correcting 64 errors. Captain Sutton completed a Master of Arts degree with a 3.8 grade point average and completed Squadron Officer's School. She directed wing events like Freedom Fest, Air Force Marathon activities and tours, as well as supporting the Oklahoma City Regional Food bank by helping to collect, sort and package more than 1,000 lbs. of food donations. Samantha, Dominique, Zachary, Jamie and Maegan, thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. AFSC would not be the outstanding organization it is, if it weren't for people like you! Please join me in congratulating each of them on a job well done! Keep 'em flying!