STARCOM recognizes first annual award recipients

Published Sept. 1, 2022
By Space Training and Readiness Command Public Affairs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- (Editor's Note: The below passage was sent to all Space Training and Readiness Command members by Maj. Gen. Shawn Bratton, STARCOM commander)

What an evening we had at STARCOM’s first-ever awards ceremony last week. The food was great and the venue was superb. More important than those things was the opportunity to formally recognize the hard work you’ve all put into STARCOM’s first year. It’s staggering to think how far you’ve all taken us in just 12 months.

Chief Seballes and I thank you for a phenomenal first year. And a special thank you and congratulations to all of our awards winners below who have gone above and beyond to bring STARCOM’s mission to life.

Training/Education Professional of the Year
This award recognizes enlisted and officer Airmen and Guardians, civilian members, and the team that has had significant impact as instructors and enablers in the fields of education and training.

Enlisted
- Instructor Award – TSgt Michelle Y. Holt (1 DOS-Det 1)
- Enabler Award – MSgt Jennifer D. Dawson (VNCOA)
Officer
- Instructor Award – Maj Matthew J. Connellan (11 DOS)
- Enabler Award – Capt Christopher Huynh (Delta 13)
Civilian
- Instructor Award – Mr. Christopher A. Drap (533 TRS)
- Enabler Award – Mr. James E. Moschgat (NSSI)
Team
- Trn/Ed Team Award – DEL 12 WSEP & Tactics Team

Torch Bearer (Test/Tactics/Doctrine Professional) of the Year
A torch bearer is an individual or team at the forefront of a campaign or movement and who inspires others to “carry the torch” toward achievement of a valued goal.

Enlisted
- Enlisted Torch Bearer Award – Sgt Jacob R. Brown (328 WPS)
Officer
- Officer Torch Bearer Award – Capt Nathan T. Whitehead (17 TES)
Civilian
- Civilian Torch Bearer Award – Mr. Edgard Millan (12 DOS)
Team
- Torch Bearer Team – 25th SRS Detachment 1

Space Power Innovator of the Year
This award recognizes the individuals and team with the most extraordinary achievement while displaying creativity and flexibility. Their efforts must embody boldness, agility, and be the epitome of innovation.

Enlisted
- Katherine Johnson Award – Sgt Spencer J. Ludwig (3 TES)
Officer
- Dorothy Vaughn Award – Capt Joshua C. Winningham (328 WPS)
Civilian
- Mary Jackson Award – Mr. Brian J. Gladen (533 TRS)
Team
- Team Innovation Award – 25th SRS Technical Directorate

Mission Support Professional of the Year
This award recognizes the enlisted, officer, civilian, and team members that have had a significant impact, either directly or indirectly, in support of the numerous efforts, projects, programs and initiatives across the entire command or in direct support of USSF.

Enlisted
- Jr Enlisted MSP Award – Sgt Jacob S. Garza (11 DOS)
- Sr Enlisted MSP Award – TSgt Desiree M. Valles (10 DOS)
Officer
- Jr Officer MSP Award – 1st Lt Angela S. Cowan (25 SRS)
- Sr Officer MSP Award – Capt Andrew J. Velas (25 SRS)
Civilian
- Jr Civilian MSP Award – Ms. Carolyn D. Yeates (533 TRS)
- Sr Civilian MSP Award – Ms. Amy L. McColloch (12 DOS)
Team
- MSP Team Award – 4 TES Communications Team

The Gene Kranz Leadership Award
This award recognizes the enlisted, officer, and civilians that exemplify the highest level of professionalism, humility, and poise in leading and guiding those in their charge (whether assigned or not) or their peers through adversity and challenges both personal and professional.

Enlisted
- Jr Enlisted Leadership Award – SPC4 Shelethia T. Statham (3 TES)
- Sr Enlisted Leadership Award – MSgt Lynette M. Calleiro (NSSI)
Officer
- Jr Officer Leadership Award – 1st Lt Ashton C. Barnes (3 TES)
- Sr Officer Leadership Award – Maj Benjamin T. Skee (392 CTS)
Civilian
- Jr Civilian Leadership Award – Mr. Andrew T. Beer (3 TES)
- Sr Civilian Leadership Award – Ms. Barbara L. LeFebvre (533 TRS)

STARCOM Organization of the Year
This award recognizes the unit, detachment, operating location, flight, section, or directorate that has had the most significant impact on the training, education, test, doctrine and aggressor ecosystems with STARCOM and in direct support of USSF.

Team
- STARCOM Org of the Year – 3d Test and Evaluation Squadron

The full album of photos from the Annual Awards Banquet can be downloaded in high-resolution here.