Graydon Williams award winner recognized

  • Published
  • By Maj. Elizabeth Magnusson
  • 944th Fighter Wing
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Senior Master Sgt. Gloria Portillo-Leanos, superintendent of health services, 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, was recognized as the 2012 Graydon Williams Award winner at a luncheon here Wednesday.

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee presented the award at the Club Five Six. This year, Kelley Williams and his wife Amy attended the ceremony, which is named in honor of Kelley's father, Tech. Sgt. Graydon Williams.

"I feel a great sense of pride knowing that Senior Master Sgt. Portillo-Leanos has received this prestigious award," said Col. Curtiss Cook, commander, 944th ASTS. "All of this year's nominees represented some of the best the 944 Fighter Wing has to offer. She truly and consistently has achieved the Air Force ideals of integrity, service, and excellence."

According to her leadership, Portillo-Leanos is a strategic thinker who manages the unit during the week and ensures the care of more than 100 traditional Reservists. She is responsible for establishing a state of the art medical skills training center, including the procurement of a top of the line mannequin Laerdal SimMan 3G. Portillo-Leanos is the unit resource advisor and is responsible for the squadron's budget of more than $200,000; managing, planning, organizing, training, and equipping the unit to be mission ready.

Outside of her duties here at Luke AFB, Portillo-Leanos is extremely active in the community. She volunteers for the annual Viking Challenge, recently helping to raise more than $103,000 for two Fisher Houses. She raises awareness for breast cancer by participating in multiple 5K runs.

"I am humbled being selected as the recipient of such a prestigious award that has a heartfelt heritage," said Portillo-Leanos.

Portillo-Leanos was not only recognized for her contributions here at the 944th FW, but also achievements and mission impact while deployed to Ramstein Air Base, Germany. While deployed she was recognized as an outstanding performer, team motivator, and advocate for America's wounded warriors.

"She always represents the 944 ASTS, the 944 Fighter Wing, the Air Force Medical Service, and the United State Air Force with dignity," said Cook. "Senior Portillo-Leanos has always put the mission first, and she is the type of Airman that does honor to the spirit of the Graydon Williams Award."

The Graydon William Award is presented annually to an Air Reserve Technician or Active Guard Reserve member who personifies the character and traits of the late Tech. Sgt. Graydon Williams, a 944th Fighter Wing maintenance ART who died at a young age of cancer. The essence of the award is based on superior performers who do not seek recognition, perform clearly above expectations, and have not been adequately recognized for their overall contributions and impact on the wing.