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Two from 17th MDG earn AF level awards

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Leanne Caballer
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 17th Medical Group recently garnered two Air Force level award winners.

Staff Sergeant Stephanie Thompson, 17th Medical Support Squadron and Senior Airman Grant Homan, 17th Medical Operations Squadron, were recognized for their above and beyond achievement in the workplace.

Thompson was awarded Outstanding Health Plan Management NCO of the year, for the October 1, 2010 through Sept. 30, 2011 time period. Thompson has a long history of strong leadership performance and has been the recipient of multiple quarterly awards and "Outstanding Performer" honors.

From organizing manpower to devising budgets, Thompson's dynamic leadership skills have contributed to highly efficient operations throughout her Air Force career.

Her supervisor, 2nd Lt. Steven Poe said that Thompson is an incredible asset to both the Resource Management Office and the 17th MDG.

"Hands down, one of the sharpest individuals I've ever worked with," said Poe. "To win an Air Force level award once is a huge accomplishment. To win it twice is virtually unheard of. She has and will continue to do great things in the Air Force."

For Thompson, winning an Air Force level award has always been one of her goals, but she never thought it would happen again. She received the Outstanding Health Plan Management NCO of the year award twice.

"I was shocked and extremely honored to receive such recognition for my career field when there were so many competitors with so much to offer." Thompson said.

Thompson's achievements are not just limited to duty hours. She has excelled as a student, completing requirements for dual master's degrees, graduating with a 3.6 grade point average.

Aside from her drive to seek out academic strength, Thompson has held the position of co-chair for the Air Force ball fund committee, for which she received a coin by the Wing Commander for her "Outstanding" efforts in raising money for the event. Thompson is also the medical group booster vice president and has organized five morale events. She also serves as a mentor for first term Airmen and participates in the "Adopt-A-Highway" roadside cleanup program. Thompson further demonstrates her deep compassion for others by volunteering as a horseback riding instructor for children with special needs. She has also been a girl's t-ball coach and a talent show judge.

The second medical group award recipient, Homan was honored as the Outstanding Mental Health Airman for the October 1, 2010 to Septe. 30, 2011 time frame. As a mental health technician, Homan works primarily in the ADAPT program.

While always a goal, Homan never thought he would receive the award so early in his career because of the competition. Such an accomplishment makes him feel surprised and happy when he considers the number of "good people" who competed. Homan said winning the award is an amazing feeling because he was able to accomplish something great for himself and his career.

According to his supervisor, Maj. Ellen Wirtz, Homan has helped streamline mental health processes and two of his initiatives have been adopted Air Force-wide. He actively works with pre and post-deployed members to ensure they are resilient and know how to access services if needed.

Aside from his central duty, Homan is working on his certification to become an alcohol and drug counselor.

Wirtz said that Homan has been an extraordinary Airman since his boots hit the ground on active duty.

"He exemplifies the core values of the Air Force and I'm honored to work with him," Wirtz said. "I am very happy to see him receive this award as he is truly deserving."

Homan has demonstrated excellence in every position he has held while in the military. He joined in March 2009 and graduated basic military training as an honor graduate. In technical training school, Homan was recognized as an "academic achiever." He was promoted to senior airman below the zone, and is the recipient of multiple quarterly awards at the squadron, group and wing level. In 2010 Homan's outstanding effort was again recognized when he was given the honor of Airman of the Medical Group. All his previous recognition contributed to his ability to stand out from the rest, making him the perfect candidate and recipient of an Air Force level award.

Like Thompson, Homan continues to excel outside of the workplace. He is an avid community service participant logging more than 400 hours of community service since 2009. Homan also demonstrates his patriotism through his involvement in the Honor Guard and has been an active member for a year and a half. He is currently working on a medical degree and has completed 80 college credits. In the future he aspires to become a pediatric surgeon or an oncologist.