Chamber celebrates armed forces, recognizes 4 Team Kirtland award winners

  • Published
  • By Sheila Rupp
  • Nucleus Journalist
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 2007 Armed Forces Banquet May 19 at the Marriott Pyramid North in Albuquerque to pay tribute to outstanding performers in the military.

The reception will begin at 6 p.m., with the awards dinner beginning at 7 p.m. Music will be provided by the 44th Army Band, the New Mexico National Guard Band. Kirtland Idol 2007 finalists Airman Brittnie Brazile, Air Force Research Laboratory, and John Woodworth will also perform, along with Staff Sgt. Sheryl Curry of the 377th Mission Support Squadron.

The guest speaker of this year's banquet is Lt. Gen. Joseph R. Inge, the deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command, Peterson AFB, Colo. As deputy commander, General Inge helps lead the command responsible to deter, prevent and defeat threats and aggression aimed at the United States, its territories and interests within the assigned area of responsibility, and as directed by the president or secretary of defense, provide defense support of civil authorities including consequence management operations. General Inge is also vice commander of U.S. Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson AFB, Colo.

Four Kirtland Airmen will be recognized at the banquet for being the 2006 Team Kirtland Annual Award winners. Airman of the Year Senior Airmen Micheal Jernigan of 898th Munitions Squadron, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Tech. Sgt. Shawn Hendricks of Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Senior Master Sgt. Paul Carder of the 377th Security Forces Squadron and Company Grade Officer of the Year Capt. Kevin Eberhart, also of security forces, will all be recognized at the banquet.

"Serving in the Air Force is the most fulfilling experience I have ever had in my life. The Air Force gives you a sense of accomplishment, and to know that I am a part of such a rich enlisted history is very gratifying and fills me with pride," Senior Airman Micheal Jernigan, a munitions operation technician.

"The award recipients from Team Kirtland embody the Air Force core values and do an amazing job representing fellow Airmen. We are proud of each of them for their accomplishments and their dedication to the community, the Air Force and the country," said Col. Robert E. Suminsby Jr., 377th wing commander.

The cost of the banquet is $35 each for active duty, Guard and Reserve members, and their guests. Retired military members and their guests are $50 each. Dress is semi-formal, mess dress or equivalent; black tie is optional.

For tickets, contact your unit first sergeant, Senior Master Sgt. Cheryl Moore at 846-4029 or Master Sgt. Keith Baber at 853-0311.