Warbird wins AF-level award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  A Warbird from the 5th Medical Group recently earned recognition as the Air Force's 2006 education and training nurse.

"I am very honored and humbled to receive this award," said Maj. Ann Perry, 5th MDG education and training/readiness flight commander. "This is the highest award I've received during my career with the Air Force."

Major Perry competed at the Air Force level after winning at the Air Combat Command level Dec. 6, 2006.

"I was floored to learn I won at the Air Force level," she said. "To be recognized as the best education and training nurse in America's Air Force is not something I take lightly."

Major Perry is no stranger to awards, having also recently won the 5th Bomb Wing Tuskegee field grade officer of the year award among others.

She credits her success to diligence and hard work.

"About 18 months ago, I lost my unit training manager," she said. "There wasn't anyone else who could take the job as a collateral duty, so that role fell into my lap. I just did my best to be proactive and diligent in my duties. Thankfully, I have a new UTM now."

In addition to her collateral duties, Major Perry also heavily participates in the local community. She was the chairperson for the base's 2006 National Hispanic Heritage Month, participated in a highly successful bone marrow drive, was the base point of contact for the 2005 and 2006 5BW international military balls and has volunteered time to the MDG booster club and many other activities.

"This award is well deserved," said Lt. Col. Jennifer Bauer, 5th MDG chief nurse. "Major Perry has her hands in almost everything. She's one of those people who is always looking to do more."

"When she lost her UTM, nobody directed her to take over that position; she just did it."

According to Major Perry, she hopes others will implement her mentality in their careers to help the Air Force.

"It's all about the mission," she said. "The way I look at it is: What do we need to do to get things done. If we're always trying to shift the burden elsewhere, we put the mission in jeopardy."

Major Perry also sees the Air Force as an opportunity to expand her knowledge base and become a more rounded person.

"I would encourage everyone, officers, enlisted personnel and civilians, to look around and see what else you can do," she said. "Expand your knowledge and experience. Don't be afraid to step outside your realm of experience and do something radical."

Colonel Bauer agrees with Major Perry's concept.

"She has made herself an expert in many areas," said Colonel Bauer. "She hasn't let her job description limit her. She's a go-to person for almost everything. I think that has set her apart from her peers."

Major Perry will compete at the Department of Defense level next.