AETC announces Annual Airfield Operations Awards Winners for 2009 Published March 17, 2010 By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Air Education and Training Command announced two Tyndall Air Traffic Control individuals as winners of AETC Annual Airfield Operations Awards for 2009. Master Sgt. Kevin McGarry, 325th Operations Support Squadron, Air Traffic Control deputy chief controller, and Michael Ruffini, 325th OSS ATC specialist, earned this award which recognizes the command's top performers. Sergeant McGarry was named Air Traffic Control Watch Supervisor of the Year "It is truly an honor and a privilege to be considered for and awarded the Watch Supervisor of the Year for the entire command," said Sergeant McGarry. "The award is a direct reflection of the awesome leadership here at Tyndall Air Force Base, the quality of service that is provided by the supervision in charge of the day to day air traffic control operations, and all the Airmen that control the complex airspace and make the Tyndall Pilot Training Program the great success that it is." Mr. Ruffini was named Civilian Air Traffic Controller of the Year. "I am lucky to be surrounded by a world-class team of professionals, any one of which is deserving of this award," said Mr. Ruffini. "I appreciate the opportunity to be nominated. I hope people understand the air traffic control business can be a tough career, but doing a good job can be rewarding. This is a prestigious award for this career field and I feel fortunate to have been selected." Both individuals will compete in the Air Force-level competition.