Motivation + innovation + attitude = success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Medical Group welcomed Air Combat Command's command surgeon, Col. Kory Cornum, to Ellsworth, Feb. 25.

Colonel Cornum visited Ellsworth in order to recognize the 28th MDG's top performers with ACC-level medical awards.

"Seeing the great Airmen we have do amazing things every day and make them seem ordinary is truly a fantastic experience," he said.

By presenting the awards, Colonel Cornum said he hoped others would follow the winners' example and push themselves to achieve success.

"I think success is a combination of motivation, innovation and attitude," he said.

Colonel Cornum praised the 28th MDG for their work in promoting the family initiatives developed in conjunction with the Year of the Air Force Family program.

"The 28th MDG is doing great things," he said. "They helped unveil the new family health initiative for ACC, which serves as a model for the entire Air Force."

The Airmen of the 28th MDG were also given credit for their outstanding performance while facing new challenges every day.

"The only constant we have is change," Colonel Cornum said. "Adaptability is absolutely necessary in order to survive in this profession."

Col. Robert Ritter, 28th MDG commander, also praised the Airmen under his command for performing admirably.

"I'm constantly impressed with the quality of work I see by the Airmen in our clinic," Colonel Ritter said. "It makes me so proud to work with some of the most outstanding Airmen in the Air Force here at the 28th MDG."

The 2009 ACC-level Air Force medical service award winners from the 28th MDG are:

Senior Airman Eric Acton
ACC Medical Service Airman of the Year

Senior Airman Ashley Barlow
Health Plan Management Airman of the Year

1st Lt. Jason Carter
ACC Group Practice Manager of the Year

Staff Sgt. Nomer Evangelista
ACC Pharmacy Technician NCO of the Year

Carol McNulty
ACC Civilian of the Year - Optometry

Tech. Sgt. Erlinda Schommer
ACC Health Plan Management NCO of the Year

Capt. William Shaw
Physician Assistant

1st Lt. Stephen Vela
Physician Assistant

Beth Hunt
Registered Nurse

Senior Airman Eric Acton
Team Leader

Airman Eric Judd
Medical Technician

Amie Rose
Licensed Vocational Nurse

Cindy Haraldson
Licensed Vocational Nurse