35th Medical Group Airmen win big

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brittany A. Chase
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The release of the Air Force Surgeon General’s announcement revealed three Airmen from the 35th Medical Group as recipients of the Air Force Medical Service 2016 individual Awards.

Recipients of these awards include:

Senior Airman Andrew Rankin
U.S. Air Force Surgical Service Airman of the Year

Staff Sgt. Robert Smith III
U.S. Air Force Enlisted Health Services Management NCO of the Year

Tech. Sgt. Elyot Selman
U.S. Air Force Mental Health NCO of the Year

All accomplishments were enabled by the hard work and support of their Wingmen, consisting of fellow medical professionals at every level.

“Being told I received the award at the Air Force level was a blessing,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Smith III, 35th Medical Support Squadron medical deployments NCO in charge. “I think my leadership giving me opportunities to excel and my wife’s support were driving factors behind me getting this award.”

The accomplishments of those recognized demonstrated expertise, leadership and commitment across the full breadth of the support provided to the Air Force mission.

“Winning this award was amazing,” said Senior Airman Andrew Rankin, 35th Surgical Operations Squadron surgery technician. “This is just the beginning; winning this award so early in my career will continue to push me to be the best possible Airman I can be.”

Although Tech. Sgt. Elyot Selman, 20th Mental Health NCO in charge, is no longer stationed at Misawa, his leadership attributes his accomplishments to his dedication to his team.

“Tech. Sgt. Selman embodies the Air Force core value, 'service before self',” said Capt. Brenda Keller, 35th Mental Health alcohol, drug and abuse prevention treatment officer in charge. “He takes the time to mentor an Airman or make something into a lesson. He characterizes the coach with his constant inspiration and passion to take care of his people. He is one of the best I've seen at balancing leadership and teamwork.”

These three Airmen won at multiple levels, proving their hard work and dedication to their craft were the best of the best among their respective career field.

“I am extremely proud of these three gentlemen who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and exemplified the Air Force core values, bringing home three Air Force Medical Service Awards,” said Col Leigh Swanson, 35th Medical Group commander. “It is an honor to serve alongside Airman such as them, but also my entire medical team here at Misawa.”