DLT 3rd Quarter award winners announced Published Nov. 15, 2011 By Master Sgt. George Poppe 755th Operations Support Squadron first sergeant DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The Desert Lightning Team held an awards ceremony Nov. 4 at the base theater for the second quarter, July through September. Airmen and civilian employees were recognized as the installations top performers from 5,000 eligible for award consideration. The award winners from the Desert Lightning Team are: Junior Civilian category Mr. Stephen W. Bieda III, 25th Operational Weather Squadron Mr. Bieda created a CONUS seasonal climate outlook that enhanced squadron readiness for the active monsoon season, lead a multi-weather agency monsoon project that was regionally published and issues 325 weather watches, warnings and advisories while directing 10 operational shifts. He authored a second chapter for his Ph.D. dissertation with combined core scientific research with the University of Arizona and prepared a climate abstract for a conference, highlighting Air Force Weather forecasting capabilities. Mr. Bieda also found time to volunteer as a Tae Kwon Do instructor for 30 students and authored a locally published "Arizona Climate" chapter which contributed to a University of Arizona agriculture project. Intermediate Civilian category Ms. Roxanne M. Elfering, 355th Contracting Squadron While managing ACCs fourth largest Government Purchase Card Program, Ms. Elfering finalized a $35 million dollar Government Purchase Card transformation initiative that increased fraud detection capability by 75% and approved 200 unfunded Wing procurement requests worth $8.2 million dollars. She completed the Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition Management course earning 36 hours of continuing education and represented the Wing at a Government Purchase Card training course that implemented DoD wide changes. Ms. Elfering also volunteered time as an AADD driver and assisted in the restoration of a local children's playground. Senior Civilian category Ms. Denise L. Webb, 612th Air and Space Operations Center Ms. Webb oversaw 77 theater Air Tasking Orders, enabling the 1,900 flight missions that supported various counter-drug operations and the seizure of $540 million worth of cocaine and managed the PANAMAX 2011 database that created a Friendly Order of Battle which allowed generation of 1.4 thousand error-free sorties. She attended a Home Owner's Association legal seminar, was elected to the Presidency of her Home Owner's Association and completed a six-hour financial planning seminar. Ms. Webb also created a Senior Citizen medical appointment ride program and volunteered with the booster club at the University of Arizona concession stands, raising $750 for the squadron. Honor Guard Airman 1st Class Heather Turner, 355th Force Support Squadron Airman 1st Class Heather Turner's leadership, exceptional skill, and selfless devotion to duty were critical to the success of the Honor Guard program. She displayed outstanding performance and respect while representing the United States Air Force and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base during multiple military events including, selflessly volunteering for an 18-man cordon for the recent arrival of the Air force Chief of Staff. She played an instrumental part of 19 military funerals, 20 military events and 15 civic details covering a 49,602 square mile area of responsibility. Furthermore, Her professionalism and uncompromising military bearing were instrumental in her graduation from United States Honor Guard standardization training. Finally, Airman Turner's steadfast perseverance and commitment to excellence quickly earned her a slot as a trainer having facilitated the training of 20 current Honor Guard members. Airman category Senior Airman Andrew L. Wincenciak, 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron Airman Wincenciak led a three-member team that collected 360 parts worth $6 million dollars, allowing generation of 3.8 thousand sorties. He managed the Davis-Monthan tire recycling program, collected 97,000 pounds of retread material, returned 2,000 tires to service and saved more than $1.7 million dollars in expenditures. Airman Wincenciak completed an 80 hour trainer certification course for the Honor Guard, accomplished five Air Force Institute of Technology courses and just completed his Bachelor of Science degree. He also led 15 Airmen through 17 Honor Guard ceremonies and volunteered with the Eagle Scout and Marana Heritage Farm organizations that support local homeless citizens. Non-Commissioned Officer category Tech. Sgt. Jacqueline Y. West-Toles, 612th Air Communications Squadron Sergeant West-Toles led the Unit Control Center during the 2011 PANAMAX exercise, enabling Command, Control, Communications, Computer Systems and Intelligence for 3,000 U.S. personnel and 17 coalition nations. She implemented the Communications Focal Point training program, developed 11 Standard Operating Procedures and resolved 150 user network issues over the phone, saving over 30 man-hours. She completed the SNCO Academy Correspondence Course 14, completed 375 Physical Therapy classroom hours in less than three months and was elected 12th AF Top 3 Secretary. Sergeant West-Toles also volunteered at the University of Arizona concessions for the squadron Booster Club and 24 hours with Habit for Humanity, which provided homes for 11 local families. Senior Non-Commissioned Officer category Master Sergeant Zamantha R. Triche, 355th Communications Squadron As the Wing COMSEC manager, Sergeant Triche prepared for the installation's first Informational Assurance Assistance Program Inspection in five years. She provided primary oversight in the correction of 121 deficiencies, led a five-member Universal Serial Bus violation team, trained three Airman on 578 tasks and guided a network accreditation enabling a $1.9 million dollar UAV mission. She complete nine hours towards her Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology, earned the Toastmasters Sergeant at Arms title and emceed for the Wing Sijan Awards breakfast. Master Sergeant Triche also led and participated in numerous base initiatives such as Senior NCO Induction Ceremony, the Airman Leadership School mentorship program and she facilitated for the NCO Professional Enhancement Seminar. Company Grade Officer category Capt. Stephanie C. Allen, 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron Captain Allen was honored as the 55th Wing High Flight Conference nominee, was handpicked to perform Group Executive duties and led two HOWLING WRAITH missions. She led the squadrons awards program, authored three Wing level awards and directed an aircrew through two in-flight engine failure emergencies that saved 36 personnel and a $162 million dollar aircraft. She earned eight credit hours for her second Masters Degree, maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and earned the Instructor Navigator certification. Capt Allen also coached 40 hours of after school youth volleyball for 90 students. Field Grade Officer category Major Phillip C. Winterton, 355th Fighter Wing. Major Winterton commanded 26 combat missions over 191 hours that supported 46 Joint Tactical Airstrike Requests, seizing seven High Value Individuals and 66 detainees. He provided Electronic Attack Close Air Support for more than 200 joint special operators, coordinated 17 in-flight time-sensitive tankers with zero margin of error and led an eight-member Mission Planning Cell that facilitated 25 missions. He honed his instructor skills by devoting more than 180 hours studying professional aviation regulations and manuals, enabling him to mentor fledgling aviators and devoted 10 hours teaching Sunday school, educating more than 50 people on various faith based subjects. Congratulations to all of the Desert Lightning Team third quarter award winners!