Annual banquet honors leadership, sacrifice Published Jan. 30, 2013 By Mary Lou Gorny Hilltop Times editor LAYTON, Utah -- The 388th Fighter Wing took a night to honor its top performers at the annual Airman of the Year awards banquet here Jan. 18. Guest speaker Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, Command Chief, Air Combat Command, thanked the award nominees and recipients for the leadership they exemplified throughout the past year. "Never forget that it is about a great team effort," said Parsons. Because of their individual efforts, our award winners represent the amazing action of the 388th. I feel we don't do it on our own. I promise you that." During his speech, Parsons congratulated the wing on its accomplishments and thanked the families for their sacrifices in support of their respective military member. He noted how some military children frequently change schools, and military spouses often put their careers on hold as part of their contribution. "It is amazing," Parsons said. " I'm afraid that sometimes it becomes so normal that we forget how much our families sacrifice. I don't forget, and General (Michael) Hostage does not forget." Parsons noted that the Air Force will be faced with some large challenges in the future, ones that require great leadership from our Airmen. "This is not the first time we face challenges like this," Parsons said. He compared the leadership needed during this time to that of the founding fathers, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Billy Mitchell and how they were willing to put their own lives and careers on the line. "I am convinced that if you look at any major power that existed in world history, all of them crumbled from within, because people became more concerned about their individual freedoms versus the good of the kingdom," Parsons said. He noted how Billy Mitchell was court martialed for his stance on a separate air command, and how his stance led us to the Air Dominance we enjoy today. He expressed the need of that kind of leadership during the coming times. "I am going to tell you that the world is starving for Billy Mitchell leadership. I see rare glimpses of it, and I will be honest with you. It is rarely rewarded," Parsons continued. Parsons said that in his own life there were those who helped him and some leaders who made significant contributions to his success in overcoming difficulties. "Take control over what is going on. Make a difference about what is going on in your life and somebody else's life. The challenges we face will have to be overcome by courageous leadership, courageous connection; courageous application of the four pillars of health." The wing announced winners from the following categories: First Sergeant of the Year Master Sgt. James Mays, 388th Component Maintenance Squadron Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year Master Sgt. Allen Hewitt, 388th Maintenance Operations Squadron Non-commissioned Officer of the Year Tech Sgt. Corey Kennedy, 388th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Airman of the Year Airman 1st Class Marc Paras, 388th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Company Grade Officer of the Year Capt. Sarah Gee, 388th Operations Support Squadron Field Grade Officer of the Year Maj. Jeffrey Anderson, 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Category I Civilian of the Year Mr. Carl Schultz, 421st Fighter Squadron Category II-IV Civilian of the Year Mr. Scott Laroche, Headquarters Utah Test and Training Range Key Spouse of the Year Mrs. Stacy Wright, 388th Operations Group Volunteer of the Year Mrs. Deanna Keller, 388th Fighter Wing staff