LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Two Airmen from the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing recently added yet another award to their list of professional achievements.
Senior Master Sgt. Mary A. Bechdel and Staff Sgt. Johanna S. Aviles received Outstanding Airmen of the Year awards and were recognized in a special ceremony during the 2009 Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14 at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.
"I am extremely proud that these two exceptional Airmen were chosen as Outstanding Airmen of the Year," said Col. Dan Johnson, commander of the 480th ISR Wing. "This only validates my belief that we have some of the most remarkable Airmen representing ISR and the U.S. Air Force.
"It was amazing to see Mary, the day after the ceremony, doing what she does best; advocating for Airmen while we were both visiting our representatives on Capitol Hill," he continued.
Senior Master Sgt. Mary A. Bechdel worked as the superintendent of operations for the 13th Intelligence Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. Sgt. Bechdel managed 1,400 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, analyzing 65,500 images and 8,800 hours of full motion video.
In addition, she led 380 Airmen conducting wartime operations for six combatant commands. Sergeant Bechdel also oversaw an impressive 3,900 combat signals intelligence hours and a staggering 26,000 reports for her combat unit. Under her leadership, the unit reported 669 potential improvised explosive device attacks and threats to coalition convoys.
Staff Sgt. Johanna S. Aviles worked as a computer, network, switching and cryptographic technician assigned to the 48th Intelligence Squadron, also located at Beale Air Force Base. Sergeant Aviles enabled homeland unmanned aerial vehicle missions during the 2008 California wildfires, delivering reports to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to contain 72 fires. She successfully led the installation of five miles of communications fiber eight months ahead of schedule.
Sergeant Aviles solved a faulty system timing upgrade, correcting an error that eluded senior technicians for three months and got the system online in just 24 hours. In addition, she oversee a 12-member installation team on a $725,000 network upgrade, doubling the Predator's armed reconnaissance and interdiction capability.
The awards event highlighted this year's 12 Outstanding Airmen who represent more than 400,000 enlisted members of the Air Force active, Guard and Reserve Forces and was hosted by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy. According to Chief Roy these Airmen demonstrate the very best of enlisted Airmen, whether they are active duty, Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve.
"They are also good neighbors and great Americans who give their time and talents to the schools and community groups, said Chief Roy. "These outstanding Airmen will continue to be great Air Force ambassadors around the world."
This is not the first time these two unique Airmen were recognized for their remarkable accomplishments.
Senior Master Sergeant Bechdel is the 2008 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award recipient in the Senior Noncommissioned Officer category.
Staff Sergeant Aviles is the 2008 Air Force Space Command 2E Communications and Information Airman category award winner.
"These Airmen represent all that is good about our United States Air Force," said Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler, the Air Force vice chief of staff.
"Around the world, there is great respect for our nation's military and for our Air Force," General Chandler said. "Our ability to provide consistent global vigilance, reach and power helps underpin our nation's security.
"These key capabilities provide assurance to our allies and our partners, and deter potential aggressors. No matter how impressive our machines and our technology are, I believe our enlisted corps is the envy of militaries around the world," she continued.