Det 1 produces Graydon Williams Award winner

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  As the 944th Fighter Wing Detachment 1 Maintenance Unit continues to grow they show the quality Airmen they possess as one of their own was selected for the coveted Graydon Williams Award.

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee presented the 2016 Graydon Williams Award to Tech Sgt. Timothy Rosio, 944th FW Det 1 MX, weapons load crew chief, during a luncheon Mar. 16 at Club Five-Six.

"I am truly honored and grateful to have been selected for this award," said Rosio who started working as an Air Reserve Technician in November 2014.
This year, eight members of Tech. Sgt. Graydon Williams' family attended the event including his son Kelley and wife Amy, their two daughters Caitlyn and Isabella, sister, Alma and husband Harry Shappell, sister, Doris Gingerich, and his brother Neal Williams, honoring an Air Reserve Technician who has followed in Williams footsteps of going above and beyond in service to the unit.

"I am very proud that a maintenance person was selected as this year's winner," said Maj. Karwin Weaver, 944 Det. 1 MX commander. "After hearing his [Graydon Williams] son speak about his father's drive and motivation to keep airplanes flying it makes me even more proud."

Rosio transitioned from active duty with the 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron and has been with 944 FW Det 1 from the start of the new unit. He also serves as a facilitator for Det 1 and the 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; the first Total Force Integration maintenance unit at Luke AFB.

"Tim has done an awesome job setting up the Weapons Section," said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Jongewaard, 944 Det. 1 MX Unit superintendent. "He has been regularly coordinating with 56th Fighter Wing Senior Non-Commission Officers to establish our weapons loading program. He will also be a key member in making us a fully-functioning successful 400 plus person unit."

Rosio thanked family, friends, coworkers, the family of Graydon Williams, and the Military Affairs Committee of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. He had a special thanks to Chief Jongewaard for his part in putting him in for the award.

"We have grown a lot and have more growing to do and I am excited to see what tomorrow brings," said Rosio.

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.