Col. James P. Keefe, left, commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, points to an F-15 aircraft as Brian Barnes, Barnes Regional Airport manager, celebrates the newly reconstructed 9,000-foot runway. (File photo by Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – The 104th Fighter Wing recently held its 40th Annual Awards Ceremony to honor its own.
“On this night we gather to honor our outstanding performers for their hard work and dedication to service,” said Col. James Keefe. “It is here that we recognize those individuals that stand out among the best, demonstrating all aspects of the Air Force Core Values by serving above and beyond.”
In 2013, Barnes ANGB undertook a runway project that took its airmen to a new challenge – operating simultaneously from three locations.
“The decision to deploy aircraft to Otis ANGB and Westover ARB was not easy, but very siuccessful,” Keefe said. “Many hours and sacrifices went into this project to ensure victory, and the 104th came through shining, once again.”
The 104th at the same time deployed members to Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Delaware, Kyrgyzstan, and Guam.
Wing Level Award recipients included 2013 Airman of the Year SrA Anthony Fappiano of Leeds, 2013 Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year TSgt Randolph Bonin of Westfield, 2013 Senior Non-Commissioned of the Year MSgt Timothy Mutti of Springfield, 2013 AGR / Technician of the Year SMSgt Thomas Orifice of Enfield, CT, and 2013 Company Grade Officer of the Year Capt Wendy Kiepke of Holyoke.
State Level Awards recipients were Airman of the Year SrA Anthony Fappiano, Honor Guard of the Year SSgt Jose Rivers of Wilbraham, and 1st Sgt of the Year MSgt Guy Craig of Chicopee.
