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Contracting Airmen bring home two major command awards

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Two 325th Contracting Squadron Airmen recently received 2013 Air Combat Command Contracting Awards.

Lt. Col. Antonio J. Gonzales, 325th CONS commander, received Outstanding Field Grade Officer of the Year.

"I feel humbled and honored," said Gonzalez. "It was because of the hard work and efforts of my Airmen that we were able to put together a very competitive package at ACC."

He also said he would like to thank, without a doubt, God.

The Greenfield, Calif. native went on to describe what went into winning the award.

"I'd say leading my squadron and empowering my contracting officers to make responsible decisions to award contracts," said Gonzalez.

Technical Sgt. Brian E. Swanson, 325th CONS Base Support Flight NCO in charge, received Outstanding Contracting Enlisted Member of the Year for NCOs.

"I was completely surprised," said Swanson, a Wayland, Mich., native. "I am extremely humbled and honored at being nominated for the award, much less winning at ACC."

There are some amazing contracting folks, both at Tyndall and at the other squadrons throughout the command, he added.

"Specifically, I would like to thank my leadership," said Swanson. "Without their support I would have a hard time performing my duties; they enable me and my team to perform with ease. I would like to thank all of Alpha Flight as well; they know how to work hard and play hard. The folks in my flight turn the daily grind of paperwork into a pleasant experience."

He said he has the best bunch of Airman a supervisor could ask for, making his job easy.

"Without their hard work, there is no way I could have won at this level," said Swanson. "I've also had the privilege of working with great customers throughout the wing that have helped me learn each squadron's mission; without them we would not have been able to provide the appropriate goods and services they need to perform their specific piece of the mission. I would say that I'm pretty lucky my first assignment in contracting was here in the 325th CONS family."

Both Airmen will go on to compete at the Air Force level.