AFRL Sensors Directorate holds annual awards luncheon Published March 2, 2010 By Raymond Rang Air Force Research Laboratory WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Dr. Candace Lynch, a research scientist with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate, Electromagnetics Technology Division, received the Dr. Samuel M. Burka Scientific Achievement Award at the Sensors Directorate Annual Awards Banquet held January 21st at the Wright-Patt Club. The Burka Award, which commemorates Dr. Burka's remarkable career in aerial photography and navigation science at McCook Field and Wright-Patterson AFB, is given annually by the more than 700-person Sensors Directorate for the most significant scientific accomplishment of the year. Dr. Lynch was selected for her pioneering Gallium Arsenide crystal growth research that enables new laser technologies for infrared countermeasures. Dr David Jerome, Director of the Sensors Directorate, welcomed the more than 300 directorate members, alumni, and invited guests that had gathered to recognize 2009's stellar group of award nominees. He recognized our Air Force-level award winners who nearly "swept" some categories of this year's awards, and stressed we are all proud of the accomplishments of the nominees of this year's Directorate awards. Recognized Sensors Directorate Awardees include: Administrative Award: Ms. Penny Grubb Senior Administrative Award: Ms. Debora Hicks Financial Person of the Year Award: Ms. Beverly Taylor Contracting Person of the Year Award: Mr. John Stovall Supervisor Award: Ms. Christina Schutte Raymond C. Rang Mission Support Award: The BRAC Team for leadership in coordinating the consolidation of remote research sites on an expanded local research campus. Sustained Community Service Recognition: This award acknowledges that volunteer activities are the lifeblood of our communities. This year three individuals were recognized. Mr. Michael Gauder, Mr. Lee Stamper, and Mr. Ronald Stauffer Patron of the Year Award: Sensors Directorate is well aware that we are not alone as we strive to accomplish our mission. This award acknowledges our appreciation for the outstanding support of the Sensors Directorate by an external entity. This year's Patron is the Satellite Control & Network Systems Group of the Space and Missile Systems Center for their advocacy of the Geodesic Dome Phased Array Antenna. External Mission Support Award: The Guide Light Team. While assigned to the Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines the Guide Light Team deployed to a forward operating location to directly support the task force in the execution of their Operation Enduring Freedom mission. This was the first operational deployment of an airborne Foliage Penetrating Light Detection and Ranging sensor. International Award: Mr. Joseph Diemunch for his role as a catalyst for AFRL-NATO collaborations in combat identification technologies. Military R&D Award: Captain Nathan Terry for leadership in optoelectronic technology. Junior Program Management Award: Mr. Jack Woods Leadership Award of the Year: 1st Lt Matthew Swartout for contributions to the Integrated Airborne Defense System Senior Leadership Award of the Year: Mr. David Via for his Tri-Service leadership of the DARPA Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Program Company Grade Officer Award: Capt John Tate. A Bronze Star recipient, Capt Tate has earned this award through his superb leadership, initiative, and dedication to duty in developing counterinsurgency operations while participating in 55 missions during his Afghanistan tour. Veiled awards in individual and team categories are presented annually for excellence in work on critical classified programs. Team Veiled Award: Advanced Technology Program Team. Individual Veiled Awards: Two were presented: Dr. Gregory Addington and Mr. Byron Overfield Dr. James Tsui Award: Three awards were presented for outstanding patents. Antimonide Alloy Crystal Growth Team; Frame Decimation through Frame Simplification Development Team; and Small UAV Power Line Harvesting by Mr. Patrick Marshall Charles E. Ryan Basic Research Award: Dr. Walter Buchwald for quantum optics contributions to miniaturized optoelectronic device structures. Peter R. Murray Program Management Award: Mr. Michael McConkey Brian M. Hendrickson Scientific Technical Achievement Award: GOTCHA Radar Team was recognized for technical advances in synthetic aperture radar signal exploitation for staring radio frequency sensing. Director's Cup Team Award: Two awards were given: Geodesic Dome Phase Array Antenna Team and The TacSat-3 Team. Both teams exemplify AFRL's commitment to providing operationally responsive solutions to the warfighter. Director's Cup Individual Award: Mr. William McQuay was recognized for his distinguished leadership in the areas of collaborative engineering and cognitive processing. He is a passionate advisor, advocate, and mentor to many on the local, regional, and national stage.