Misawa members earn Air Force Communications, Information awards

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Two Misawa members were recently named Air Force Communications and Information award winners.
 
Tech. Sgt. Cheryl Kane was named the 2008 Air Force Communications and Information Outstanding Information Management (AFSC 3AXXX) Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Mr. Ikuo Hamabata was named the 2008 Air Force Communications and Information Outstanding Civilian Technician of the Year. 

As the section chief of wing knowledge operations, Sergeant Kane provides administrative support to the 35th Fighter Wing staff agencies. Prior to assuming this role, she was assigned to the 35th Communications Squadron. She started 2008 working on the help desk, and then was moved to help establish a quality assurance position for the 3A career field before ending up in knowledge operations. It was her flexibility and work in each of these different sections that earned her the Air Force-level award. 

"It's very humbling to have been put in for this award and to have been chosen," said Sergeant Kane. "However, if it wasn't for the great leadership and amazing team of co-workers I had at the communications squadron, plus the support of my family, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish my part of the mission." 

Mr. Hamabata is the only civilian working in the 35th CS airfield systems flight. In his job he performs periodic maintenance and repair on ground based aircraft navigation equipment, weather sensing equipment and ground-to-air radios used by all aircraft that arrive and depart at Misawa. This includes U.S Air Force, U.S. Navy, Japan Air Self Defense Force and commercial aircraft. According to Tech Sgt. Linwood Robinson, his supervisor, Mr. Hamabata made an immediate impact on the work center and what they've been able to accomplish during his year with the flight. 

"I feel very honored to have been recognized as such a high level," Mr. Hamabata said. "I feel like it's not only my award, but my work center's award as well. I have great co-workers and a great supervisor who allows me to succeed at my job." 

Both Sergeant Kane and Mr. Hamabata were notified of their selection by 35th CS leadership. They have been invited to accept their award during a ceremony scheduled for April 16 in Washinton, D.C.