Master Sergeant Daryl Shines

Master Sergeant Daryl Shines, of Montgomery, Alabama, epitomizes the Air Force values of integrity, service and excellence. As an NCO leader in the 40th Air Expeditionary Wing, Master Sgt. Shines directed B-52 munitions build-up operations in support of missions over Afghanistan. His team was among the first to deploy for Operation Enduring Freedom, assembling over 14,000 bombs used during the first 4 months of the war. He instilled enormous pride and sense of mission in his 90-person team. As an example, outside of his deployment tent city, Master Sgt. Shines helped coordinate a special memorial for the victims of the 9/11 tragedy called "Pentagon Park." This reinforced the sense of solemn purpose and importance of the mission at hand. Master Sgt. Shines is also highly involved in his community, volunteering for youth sports and counseling programs. "He leads by example, deferring the credit that he deserves," said one airman under his command. "Master Sgt. Shines is an outstanding NCO, a superb leader," says one superior officer. "A shining example of a true Air Force professional," says another commander. Master Sgt. Shines is a fine example of the superior quality of personnel serving in the United States Air Force.

Technical Sergeant Michael Hurley

Technical Sergeant Michael Hurley exemplifies "service before self" in his concern, dedication and involvement in his Air Force community. Airmen at Luke AFB wrote with admiration about his contagious enthusiasm and leadership by example. Currently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Tech. Sgt. Hurley is responsible for fitness and morale programs in the Air Education and Training Command. He has thoroughly dedicated himself to the job, developing new fitness programs, securing increased involvement by airmen and saving the Air Force money through effective management of his facility. Tech. Sgt. Hurley is actively engaged in his community, volunteering to lead youth sports programs, spearheading charity drives, participating in local youth reading programs and fitness programs for senior citizens. He is the "best of the best," says one supervisor. "An outstanding role model," said another airman at Luke. Air Force Times salutes Tech. Sgt. Hurley for his motivation and special contributions to quality of life for airmen and the community.

Master Sergeant Sherri Days

Master Sergeant Sherri Days, from Lansing, Michigan, is a proven leader with a deep sense of commitment and dedication to her job and squadron. She is an outstanding example of the unsung heroes of the Air Force, those performing key aircraft maintenance roles behind the scenes. Master Sgt. Days was handpicked to lead a test repair program for 1,368 C-141B and C-17A aircraft avionics components, which directly contributed to an outstanding 100 percent repair reliability. She fostered a spirit of innovation, resulting in savings of over $1.8 million. Her effectiveness in maintaining heightened mission focus was instrumental to the rapid repair of critical aircraft, contributing to the 62nd Airlift Wing's 93 percent on-time departure rate for Operation Enduring Freedom. Master Sgt. Days' tireless efforts ensured system effectiveness and improved aircrew survivability over Afghanistan. She is a "top-notch NCO, reliable and rock solid in her performance and judgment," says one officer. She "leads and motivates by example," says a member of her squadron. By showing extraordinary commitment and leadership, Master Sgt. Sherri Days is an example to airmen everywhere.

Airman First Class Andrea Quillen

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas - Airman First Class Andrea K. Quillen is junior in rank, but remarkable in her contributions. Performing with distinction in a role usually reserved for higher pay grades, A1C Quillen's "loadmaster skills and impeccable professionalism place her well above her peers," said her commanding officer. "She has a continuous record of exceptional contributions to the squadron, group and wing throughout the year." In the months following the 9/11 attacks, A1C Quillen has flown over 130 hours and 28 sorties carrying 329 combat troops and 1.1 million pounds of cargo in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Her performance includes safely loading 9,000 pounds of explosives, five pieces of outsized cargo and 18 passengers, while moving the mission in a little over two hours with a basic crew and minimum ground support.

In one instance, she was responsible for airlifting 200,000 pounds of non-disclosure cargo to a classified location, a job not usually reserved for an E-3. And she repeatedly deploys to hostile environments while delivering critically needed cargo. In another mission, A1C Quillen flawlessly airlifted over 131,000 pounds of cargo and 54 duty passengers into a remote airfield and conducted an engine running offload within 1 hour. She quickly managed difficult on- and offloads of 60,000 pounds of critically needed cargo with ease during Operation Northern Watch, NATO's no-fly zone over Iraq. She has "outstanding airmanship abilities.

She continually searches for the most demanding and challenging missions," says one superior officer. "She's a top-notch professional in whom I have every confidence; I utilize her to man short-notice missions." As a testament to her abilities, A1C Quillen was the only Airman straight out of Technical School to be upgraded to worldwide-qualified, mission-ready loadmaster after only one overseas mission, a phenomenal achievement. She is one of only 10 C-17A loadmasters in the 437th Air Wing selected for night vision goggle training, a unique qualification.

She is "by far my best airman," says her commander. One of her NCOs said "she's just awesome." Off duty, A1C Quillen is involved in her community, an excellent representative of the Air Force. She volunteers for community service at local schools, holiday charity drives, the local Veteran's Administration hospital and as a Big Sister, serving as a positive role model and mentor for youth. Her professionalism, energy and dedication to excellence make A1C Andrea Quillen a top performer and a rising star. She is an outstanding example of the high standards and quality of the men and women serving in the United States Air Force.

ET1(SS) Rex Bixby

Petty Officer Rex Bixby is an exceptional leader, mentor and a strong advocate for the needs and interests of sailors. As detailer for submarine nuclear electronics technicians, Petty Officer Bixby truly cares about the careers of those in his charge. He is a true professional and top performer in a very demanding field, where it's often hard to please everyone. "He takes great concern for the needs of sailors, he really goes to bat for you," said a fellow submariner. Petty Officer Bixby uses his wealth of submarine experience to educate and mentor sailors on the best career options. "We trust him and rely upon his judgment, and he always comes through," said another shipmate. "He's the best, but never blows his own horn," said one supervising officer. Petty Officer Bixby is also a volunteer member of the command's Burial Honor Guard, where his impeccable military bearing and decorum lends special dignity to these solemn ceremonies. Off duty, Petty Officer Bixby is highly involved in his community, engaging in youth mentoring and sports activities. "He is a singularly impressive Sailor, who combines superior performance of duty with proactive efforts to contribute to the local community," said one of his superior officers. Petty Officer Bixby is clearly a fine example of the best in the United States Navy.

YN1 (SW) Albert Gonzalez

Petty Officer Albert Gonzales is an example of the unsung performer in a field often overlooked in its importance to mission accomplishment. Known as "Gonzo" to his crew and shipmates, he displays a tireless energy, dedication to the job and willingness to go the extra mile for his shipmates and his community. Assigned in Pre-Commissioning Unit Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Gonzales is the principal administrative assistant for the Reactor Department. This Yeoman truly cares about his fellow sailors, and is the "go to guy" for resolving issues for enlisted personnel relating to quality of life. He is the first to arrive in the office and the last one to leave, helping to ensure top efficiency in the 350-member department. Gonzales often works off-duty hours to get sailors the help they need and the recognition they deserve. "He is always available for sailors, to motivate them and help them work through their problems," said one shipmate. "He does all the intangible things to make life better for his shipmates," said another. "He is a person we truly admire and respect, not only as a professional sailor but as an outstanding person," said one supervisor. Off duty, Petty Officer Gonzales is involved in the community, mentoring young athletes in Special Olympics, participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, serving with a local high school's NJROTC unit, among other community activities. Gonzales embodies the true team spirit, leadership and professional commitment that it takes to be an outstanding sailor.

SK1 Michael Mackin

Petty Officer Mackin is a superstar Navy reservist. He recently returned from a 14-month assignment at a forward operating location in El Salvador. Arriving to a unit that was critically understaffed, Petty Officer Mackin single-handedly implemented crucial logistics, inventory and management processes that helped the unit successfully accomplish its counter-drug flight mission. He volunteered for numerous extra duties in a severely understaffed environment. He rose to the challenge of molding and leading a team consisting of host-nation civilians, U.S. sailors and coastguardsmen and U.S. Customs Service personnel. To promote unit cohesion within this diverse group, Petty Officer Mackin taught himself conversational Spanish to improve communications between the English and Spanish-speaking members of the team. In the aftermath of two major earthquakes, he boosted the morale of hundreds of Salvadoran relief workers by organizing sports and recreational activities and was involved in charitable drives to assist the victims of these quakes. At a significant personal sacrifice and at the request of his commanders, Petty Officer Mackin served three consecutive sets of active duty orders. Petty Officer Mackin's commanding officer describes the intangibles and skill sets he brings as "unique, invaluable and the most impressive of any sailor I have ever served with." "He is universally held with the highest professional and personal esteem, by all he has worked with," said another shipmate.

Petty Officer First Class Neil Martin

Aircrew Survival Equipmentman First Class Neil Christian Martin embodies the ideal of the unsung "everyday hero." He is an inspiration to his shipmates in Strike Fighter Squadron One Nine Two, known as the "World Famous Golden Dragons." "Unquestionably, one of the finest sailors I've ever known. Awesome skills, super dependable, a true leader," said one fellow Petty Officer. One member of the VFA-192 Dragons commented "he's an inspiration to us, a phenomenal Leading Petty Officer." Filling a position usually reserved for Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officer Martin is the Leading Petty Officer for the Aviation Life Support Systems work center, where his expertise and dedication helped the command to win two major awards in recent years, the Chief of Naval Operations Safety "S" and the Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet Battle "E".

He was lauded by inspectors during one visit as having "the model PR shop in Carrier Air Wing FIVE." He is an exceptional team builder, teacher and mentor to those in his supervision, as evidenced by his work center securing a 75% advancement rate and 100% retention rate. Even as a Petty Officer First Class, Martin has been called on to assume the duties of Aircraft Division Leading Chief Petty Officer on numerous occasions, flawlessly coordinating 55 personnel in five work centers in all aspects of maintenance and administration.

"He is a model sailor...whose leadership, job knowledge and dedication is unmatched," said one superior officer. His maintenance shop is "flawlessly managed, the ultimate in efficiency, quality, competency," said another. "He's the go-to guy, the one with the knowledge," said one shipmate, adding "we all respect him, learn from him and look to him as an example."

At home at Naval Air Facility Atsugi (Japan), Petty Officer Martin is involved in his community, coaching in youth sports leagues and volunteering at teen events. And while deployed, he participates in community relations projects in almost every port he visits, extending goodwill for the U.S. Navy and our country. Petty Officer Neil Martin epitomizes the best of U.S. Navy tradition and values. His devotion to duty, his unsurpassed skills and knowledge, and his honor, integrity and leadership are a credit to the Navy and an example to sailors everywhere.

Sergeant Jared Anderson

Sergeant Jared Anderson is a role model to Marines in his dedication, energy and leadership. He is a highly versatile Marine, performing two key roles, both as platoon sergeant and as COMSEC Technician, where he also supervises 23 civilian personnel. He's extremely well regarded for dedication to his people and his job knowledge. "He is highly motivated and he truly cares about both the Marines and civilians in his charge," says one supervising officer. "He is a strong-willed, reliable Marine who sets high standards and achieves them," said another superior. Sgt. Anderson encourages and inspires his Marines to be leaders, to take the initiative. "Don't tell me what you know... show me," says Sgt. Anderson. He is widely respected and admired by his Marines and all who come in contact with him. "He's someone we look up to as an example of what a Marine should be," says one of his men. Off duty, Sgt. Anderson is highly involved in his community, engaging in local youth activities and volunteering at Veteran's facilities. Drawing upon his continuing studies in business management, he also volunteered to serve as a base-wide tax counselor. "He's a people person, and his enthusiasm is contagious," said one senior NCO. Sgt. Anderson is a fine example of "the few, the proud, the Marines."

Gunnery Sergeant Joe Webb

Gunnery Sergeant Joe Webb embodies and projects the finest qualities, virtues and characteristics of a Marine leader. He manages the inventory, repair, component overhaul and testing for 3 different engine types for 200+ assigned helicopters. As a result of his skill, Marine Aircraft Group 39 - the largest MAG in the Corps in terms of assigned aircraft - posted the highest average readiness and maintenance productivity in the Corps over the last 12 months. Although his technical accomplishments alone are worthy of praise, Gunnery Sgt. Webb's real forte is as a leader of Marines. The Marines under his charge are almost reverential in their respect and admiration of him. "He's simply the best NCO in the Marine Corps," said one. "If he says the moon is made of cheese, you better get the crackers out," said another, adding, "No matter what he asks, I'd follow him anytime, anywhere." Gunnery Sgt. Webb's leadership is a product of his energy, passion, commitment and genuine caring. One superior officer said "his commitment to his Marines is boundless, and his selflessness is tempered only by the finite hours in a day. My words, unfortunately, cannot adequately capture this remarkable person and Marine who is Gunny Webb." In addition to his regular duties, Gunnery Sgt. Webb also volunteers for many on-base and community activities, such as practice promotion boards for all base Marines, local holiday youth events and Mess Nights for this battalion-sized command. For the excellence of his performance, his commitment to the Corps and his dedication to the concerns, needs and guidance of his Marines, Gunnery Sgt. Joe Webb makes you proud to be a Marine. Semper Fi, Gunny Webb!