Minot Air Force Base civilian is award winner

Published March 11, 2009
By Tech. Sgt. M. Erick Reynolds
Eighth Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) Public Affairs

BOSSIER CITY, La. -- In a gala event held in the Riverdome at the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino in Bossier City, La., the 8th Air Force announced their Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2008 in seven categories, including civilian category I and civilian category II.

"We at 'The Mighty Eighth' are extremely proud of all the nominees for their accomplishments over the past year," said Chief Master Sgt. Todd Kabalan, Eighth Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) command chief master sergeant. "The nominees competing at this level are the best of the best in their category; they lead by example and help showcase the excellence we strive for in the 8th Air Force."

The OAY banquet recognizes the nominees for their superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.

One of the winner's of the Outstanding Civilian of the Year for the "The Mighty Eighth" was Minot AFB's own Kent Blotter.

He won the award for civilian category I. He is an interior electrician assigned to the 5th Civil Engineering Squadron as the cathodic protection technician. He is an avid supporter of wild and domestic animal welfare issues. Mr. Blotter also assists with the Humane Society to aid in the rehabilitation and adoption of dogs and cats. He actively supports the Alley Cat Allies to aid in the feral population and control. Additionally, he contributes to the Federal Order Police North Dakota State Lodge youth education programs and is an active leader in the Cub Scouting Program.

This year's event was organized by a team of volunteers led by Master Sgt. Tizana Smith, 608th Air Communications Squadron, and Project and Exercise Programs section chief.
"This event really came together because of all the teamwork that was put into it," said Master Sgt. Smith. "We had a wonderful team which caused the banquet to turn out wonderul."

Master Sgt. Smith, also a nominee, explained that she was much honored to be competing alongside "such great Airmen."

All winners will represent the 8th Air Force at the Air Combat Command OAY ceremony in April. If "The Mighty Eighth" warriors win at the ACC level they will then compete at the Air Force level for the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for the Air Force.