High achievers honored with a night of celebration

U.S. Air Force photo: Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom

The Maintenance Professional of the Year award winners stand with distinguished visitors and base leadership March 13 at Cannon Air Force Base. The MPOY banquet is an annual event that is held to honor 27th Special Operations Maintenance Group Airmen that go above and beyond everyday on the job.

Members of the 27th Special Operations Maintenance Group were rewarded for their excellence at an official awards banquet March 8 at Cannon Air Force Base.

The Maintenance Professional of the Year ceremony is an annual event that is held to honor airmen in the 27 SOMXG that go above and beyond everyday on the job. The evening was filled with food, fun and laughter as the nominees and those there to support them celebrated.

"This banquet is a chance for us to recognize our superior airmen," said Capt. Jonathan Cross, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron. "They make the mission happen any time, any place."

Competition was fierce; award winners were selected out of the more than 1,800 members of the 27 SOMXG and were graded on different criteria for every award that was presented. Twenty professionals were recognized in front of their squadrons, commanders and distinguished visitors invited by Col. Buck Elton, 27th Special Operations Wing commander.

"I am so proud to be selected as an award winner," said Senior Master Sgt. Curtis Helms, 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit superintendent. "I feel it wouldn't have been mine without the dedication and hard work of the airmen under my supervision — we have all earned this honor."