Editorial
Front Page - Friday, February 19, 2010
School counselor named Tenn. National Guard Airman of the Year
Senior Airman Jessica Webb, 118th Airlift Wing, was selected as the Tennessee Air National Guard Airman of the Year for 2009.
A Tennessee Air National Guard Airman from Nashville’s 118th Airlift Wing was selected as the Tennessee Air National Guard Airman of the Year for 2009.
Senior Airman Jessica Webb, from Erwin, Tenn., and formerly of Hohenwald in Middle Tennessee, was recognized for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements as an Airman of the Tennessee Air National Guard. She will now be competing in the “12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year” competition to be held later this year.
“Airman Webb is a superb example of the Air Force core values.
Everything that she sets her mind to do, she does to the best of her ability. She is an achiever and she sets very high standards for herself,” said Senior Master Sgt. Doug Patterson, 118th AW Command Post Superintendent.
Webb described receiving the prestigious award as humbling.
“While I’m honored to have been chosen, I am by no means the best Airman in the state. Every Airman is an important member of the total force and we all endeavor to carry on the tradition of honor and the legacy of valor spoken in our Airman’s Creed,” Webb said. “I am not perfect, but I can strive to embody the Air Force Core Values whether I am wearing my uniform or not.”
When she is not working as a Command Post Controller for the 118th AW, she is an Elementary School Counselor at Love Chapel Elementary in Erwin, Tenn. She has volunteered with California Girls State, a program for high school-age girls. She also initiated a program at Love Chapel Elementary called ‘Cards for the Troops’ where students created Christmas cards for U.S. military personnel deployed overseas.
“I know so many of my fellow Airmen deserve recognition for their sacrifices in service to our state and country. So many Guardsmen have served multiple tours in the Middle East and other areas in support of our Nation’s war on terror, placing their commitment to serve above even their own lives,” she said.
Outside of counseling Kindergarten through 4th grade students, she is a member of the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard.
“I believe it is vital for current members, veterans and family members to support our military through membership in organizations such as the American Legion and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard,” she said, adding that these organizations “improve benefits for military members and serve our Nation’s heroes through community events and volunteerism.”
“Will we see these types of benefits tomorrow? The answer lies with us, the young Airman, NCOs and their families. Choose the organization that best suites you and join. Our future depends on it,” she said.
Webb has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Middle Tennessee State University, where she graduated summa cum laude. She was accepted to Vanderbilt University in 2009 to begin work on her Master’s degree.
She is also currently registered to attend Airman Leadership School later this year at McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, Tenn. She was selected as Airman of the Quarter, 1st Quarter 2009, and has received the Tennessee Air National Guard Professional Development Ribbon.
“Senior Airman Webb is the benchmark, both personally and professionally, that other Airmen should emulate,” said Patterson.
Last year, Master Sgt. Lorene Kitzmiller, a First Sergeant also with the 118th AW was selected as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the
year in the 1st Sergeant category, another category in the competition.
Each year the states and territories select and submit their top Performers from the Air Guard’s 88 flying units and 579 mission support units. The 12 Airmen are selected from Active Duty Air Force, National Guard and Reserves.
Source: Tennessee Military Department
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