Photo By Marnee Losurdo | Capt. April Martin, 403rd Force Support Squadron Manpower and Personnel Flight...... read more read more
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KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- A 403rd Wing personnel officer is the 2015 Personnel Reserve Component Company Grade Officer of the Year.
Capt. April Martin, 403rd Force Support Squadron Manpower and Personnel Flight commander, won the Air Force-level award.
This spring she was named the Air Force Reserve Command Personnel CGO of the Year. She then went on to compete at the Air Force level.
Martin, who is also the 2015 403rd Wing CGO of the Year, said she is very grateful for the honor.
“It encourages me to be a better personnel officer for the wing,” she said. “I want to be the one that people can count on to give the right information.”
According to the 403rd FSS Commander Maj. Lisa Kostellic, the awards are well-deserved.
“Captain Martin is a ‘must-have’ officer,” said Kostellic. “From the moment she stepped into the squadron, she has taken on task after task, program after program, and delivered outstanding results every time. She continues to develop herself as an officer and looks for opportunities to share her knowledge and experience. She is the best of the best, and both awards prove it.”
The personnel officer was recognized based upon her military performance, significant self-improvement and services within her community.
Martin was an Air Force weather officer from 2008 to 2013. After a year break, she joined the Air Force Reserve and took a position with the 403rd FSS in March 2015. She attended the Personnel Officer Course last fall and was a distinguished graduate, the top 10 percent of her class. As the Manpower and Personnel Flight commander, she is responsible for 30 reservists and 50 personnel programs ranging from performance reports to commissioning programs.
The programs she manages impact wing members’ careers. One of these programs she is most proud of is the Deserving Airman Commissioning Program, which recognizes Airmen who show potential for leadership opportunities through commissioning.
“We had many enlisted members apply, and they appreciated the opportunity to commission here at the 403d Wing,” she said. “It was rewarding to help commission our home-grown enlisted members.”
Martin was put on orders in 2015 to facilitate the integration of the Air Force Reserve’s 403rd FSS and the Air Force's 81st FSS personnel services. Keesler Air Force Base started the integration process in October 2015 and co-located to the two squadrons in the Sablich Center this summer.
"This effort provides our customers the ability to get assistance from both Air Force Components without barriers and capitalize on our personnel support for everyone, which makes our Air Force more effective," said Martin.
Even with her busy schedule, Martin also completed three Air Force Institute of Technology courses and completed Squadron Officer School by correspondence. She also volunteered at the Veteran Affairs Hospital and Armed Forces Retirement Center and Keesler Fisher House.
“It means a lot to me to give back to our veterans,” she said. “They have some incredible stories; it’s humbling to know how much they have sacrificed for us.”
In the next year, the 403rd Wing is recruiting members, and the FSS is excited to bring hardworking Citizen Airmen to Keesler AFB, said Martin.
“The FSS has a devoted staff that goes above and beyond to provide the best and most reliable service to the 403rd Wing and Keesler AFB.”
Martin said it is a fulfilling experience to be part of the squadron and the Air Force Reserve.
“When I separated from active duty in 2013, I thought I was never coming back into the service,” she said. “But a piece of me was missing that I could only find when I put on my uniform. Many Citizen Airmen who I serve alongside feel the same way, and I look forward to dedicating my life to serving those Airmen and this country.”
| Date Taken: | 08.02.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 11.21.2016 14:31 |
| Story ID: | 215403 |
| Location: | KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISSISSIPPI, US |
| Web Views: | 107 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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