Wing's AF outstanding Airman in the national spotlight

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephen Razo
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The true impact of his selection as one of the 12 Air Force Outstanding Airman of the Year became evident to Master Sgt. Stephen Hunter, 944th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, during a solid week of events highlighted by a formal dinner honoring the group of 12 at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington D.C.

Sergeant Hunter began his week Sept 11, with a social hosted by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy and his wife, Paula, at the Airey House, their official residence named after the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Paul Airey.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, ninth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Chief Roy said there was a lot of uncertainty throughout the world, but today we know that
"because of Airmen like these, the future of our Air Force is bright."
Sergeant Hunter found himself not only in the company of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, but also the Undersecretary of the Air Force, Erin Conaton; the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Norton Schwartz and his wife, Suzie; former CMSAFs Eric Benken and Gerald Murray, and command chiefs from many of the major commands.

"Stephanie and I were so honored that afternoon to be met by the leadership of the Air Force," Sergeant Hunter said. "A special warm welcome from Mrs. Paul, in the form of a hug, set the tone for a lovely evening of celebration under the backdrop of the Airey House. The generous support and acknowledgments that General Swartz expressed to me, my wife, Stephanie, and the other 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year was heartfelt and humbling."

Sergeant Hunter attended an AFA Memorial Service and Wreath Laying at the Air Force Memorial Sept. 12, followed by a walking tour around the national mall. That evening provided a chance to relax during a dinner cruise on the Potomac River.

The Air & Space Conference kicked off Sept. 13. After observing the conference opening and award ceremonies, Sergeant Hunter listened to Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley deliver his State of the Air Force address. Later that evening...the main event.

The Outstanding Airmen of the Year Dinner that evening formally presented Sergeant Hunter to the nation as among the best in the Air Force. With his lovely wife, Stephanie, by his side, Sergeant Hunter's citation was read followed by the presentation of his Outstanding Airmen of the Year plaque.

"The 12 OAY dinner celebration was a night to remember," Sergeant Hunter said. "The theatrics were grand and the room was filled with kinship and respect. I could not help but smile when Stephanie and I were announced, 'From the 944th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona...' We were thrilled and proud to represent the wing."

The next day was partly spent on Capitol Hill visiting congressional representatives and later spent with the current Air Force Enlisted Advisory Council. As part of his OAY duties for the year, Sergeant Hunter will serve on the Air Force Enlisted Advisory Council that will have them traveling around the Air Force to speak with his peers and ask them what is on their minds. Then, the council will provide talking papers to Air Force senior leaders on recommended changes to Air Force policy.

"I look forward to serving on the Air Force Enlisted Council as the Reserve Command representative and advancing the inputs of my fellow Reservists," he said. "I view this duty as unique and challenging responsibility, requiring careful attention and diligence. All 12 OAY's are proud to carry forward the Air Force enlisted force concerns to Air Force leadership and strive for positive solutions."

The Hunters wrapped up their Washington DC trip with a tour of the White House, the Pentagon and that evening, the Air Force Anniversary dinner followed by farewells in preparation for the flight home.

"The trip was a whirlwind," Sergeant Hunter said. "What an opportunity for my family to visit Washington DC. I would be remiss not to thank the generosity of Colonel Popovich and the 944th Fighter Wing, the chiefs and first sergeants group and the officers' group for assisting my family in attending all these wonderful events. The support of the wing has always been steadfast and strong. I would like to thank everyone in the wing for their service and efforts every day to accomplish the mission."