RX recognizes top performers at annual awards luncheon

  • Published
  • By Fred Coleman
  • Air Force Research Laboratory
A large crowd gathered at the Hope Hotel here Jan. 22, for the 57th Annual Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate Awards Recognition Luncheon. 

Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, also known as RX, members, alumni, and invited guests gathered to recognize the contributions of the directorate's top performers for 2009.

Following lunch, the group listened to the guest speaker, Lt Gen (Ret.) Jack Hudson, former Aeronautical Systems Center commander, and Air Force Program Executive Officer for aircraft. The motivational speech encouraged all to do their very best each day and remain focused on the needs of the warfighter. In doing so, those who served before are honored. Following General Hudson's speech, the awards were presented.

Receiving the Engineering Expertise Award, for demonstrating outstanding engineering expertise in providing a rapid technology solution to meet an urgent operational need, was the team of Dr. Steven Fairchild and Dr. Benji Maruyama. They were recognized for their efforts in resolving a fundamental materials limitation in the Hazardous Material Identification System, which detects and neutralizes improvised explosive devices.

The International Award was presented next, for contributions which leverage multi-national opportunities that benefit the directorate's priority research areas. The award was given to Dr. John Boeckl for his outstanding international outreach linking the world-class AFRL nanocarbon team to the global community.

Following this, the R. Lee Kennard S&T Manufacturing Heritage Award was presented, recognizing outstanding performance and accomplishments in establishing a world-class manufacturing and industrial base capability. The Inlet Duct Robotic Drilling Team of James Poindexter and David See received this award for establishing an innovative and unique manufacturing capability which previously did not exist, and which addressed a critical need for the F-35 program.

Dr. Mary Kinsella then received the Program Management Award, which recognizes significant contributions in helping achieve the best value for the government through effective management of a technical program. Dr. Kinsella earned the award for her outstanding management of the Metals Affordability Initiative, which resulted in a massive technology transition record and impact on the Air Force.

The next award was the Supervisor Excellence Award, given to individuals who ensure employees under their direction have the training, tools, and materials needed to carry out their duties while embracing Air Force core values. This was given to Aaron Klosterman for being an unparalleled supervisor, who expertly balances personnel management, operations and program execution.

The Vincent J. Russo Award was up next, honoring outstanding performance and accomplishments in the management and leadership of activities, people or organizations. Dr. Jeff Zabinski received this award for his demonstrated leadership at the directorate, division, and AFRL level.

The Mission Support Team Award, presented for outstanding performance, achievements, and overall contributions in a mission support role, was presented to the RXOF (Facility Operations Branch) Students. These 12 students were nominated for their contributions to RX as they pursue their bachelor's degrees. They maintain at least 24 credit hours per year, while working 16-40 hours per week.

The Mission Support Award recognizes significant individual contributions in a mission support role and was presented to Donna Lindner. She earned this award for her exceptional performance as a division business operations team member and for leading the division administrative efforts for the self inspection program.

The Advanced Mission Support Award recognizes 'higher grade' individual contributions in a mission support role and was presented to Sheila Boyer. A recognized expert in communications and marketing, she was cited as being a thoroughly professional and highly self motivated member of the business operations corporate support team.

The Engine Systems Prognosis Team earned the Director's Team Award, which acknowledges significant contributions that have had an impact on the directorate and the Air Force. The team of Dr. Michael Caton, Jay Jira, Dr. James Larson and Dr. Andrew Rosenberger led a revolution in materials-based life management of Air Force turbine engines.

The Director's Junior Workforce Award recognizes contributions by a junior workforce member that have had a significant impact on the credibility and image of RX. Shane Juhl received this award for enhancing the vision of RX by championing next generation space experiments and mentoring students.

The Director's Individual Award honors one individual for significant contributions to the directorate's image and for accomplishments that have had a significant impact on the Air Force. Dr. John Russell received this award for his work as the Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft manufacturing lead, and delivering a successful first flight in June 2009.
First Lieutenant Chris Vaiana received the Director's Military Award, which recognizes a military member's achievements, duty performance and overall contributions to the directorate's mission. He was nominated for managing seven programs, directing a solar cell effort, slashing costs by 90 percent, and improving performance of micro unmanned aerial vehicles.

Receiving the Robert T. Schwartz Engineering Achievement Award, which recognizes the most outstanding materials or processing engineering achievements, was Dr. Timothy Breitzman. He was cited for his unique approach in composite repair design, which enables aircraft to remain strong and stealthy.

The final award, recognizing scientific achievement at all levels of the directorate, was the Charles J. Cleary Scientific Achievement Award. This was bestowed upon Dr. Benji Maruyama for his leadership of an internationally recognized team that explained the mechanisms of chemical vapor deposition growth of single wall carbon nanotubes.