TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma -- The 507th Air Refueling Wing recently selected the wing's annual award winners for 2008. 

All three winners excelled in their individual areas of expertise, setting them apart from the rest in this year's competition. 

Master Sgt. Michael Meek, a satellite and wideband crew chief for the 35th Combat Communications Squadron, was selected as Senior NCO of the Year. Meek deployed to Peru and supervised daily activities of multinational forces as chief of the satellite team. While there he diagnosed and repaired a $50,000 satellite transreceiver, restoring 100 percent of the communications capability. 

One of his many duties included serving as interim first sergeant for 81 Airmen. He served as orders clerk, cutting more than 50 sets of orders and transformed $31,500 to critical training completed. Last year Meek earned his CCAF associate degree. He aggressively pursued PME and sailed through five SNCOA course tests in five weeks with a 90 percent average. As building custodian Meek organized a self-help project to lay carpet for their building, saving $3,000. He checks on elderly neighbors, grocery shops and conducts home maintenance to ensure their safety and well being. 

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Bostwick, a readiness craftsman with the 507th Civil Engineer Squadron, was selected as NCO of the Year for 2008. Bostwick astutely implemented a policy holding units accountable for CBRNE no-shows, down 10 percent. 

He brokered $15,000 and quickly purchased more than 300 JSLIST suits for deploying wing Airmen, which boosted readiness. He also garnered $10,000 in end of year funds and purchased quick-release helmet straps for reservists and resolved an ORI write-up. Bostwick scheduled and tracks CBRNE survival skills training for more than 1,400 reservists with 100 percent accuracy. 

He flawlessly conducted 14 unit EM SAVs, paving the way for the wing earning an Outstanding with 99 percent compliant rating. After completing NCOA, Bostwick immediately enrolled in SNCOA. Self motivated, Bostwick is continuously enhancing his EM knowledge. He completed 24 credits toward his bachelor's in Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness. He also voluntarily programmed 350 weather radios for Midwest City, ensuring early hazardous weather notifications. 

Senior Airman Casey Pearson, a combat arms journeyman with the 507th Security Forces Squadron, was selected as Airman of the Year for 2008. While deployed to Iraq, he defended $1.5B in weapons/munitions/equipment used to protect 5,000 coalition forces. 

He was rated "best in theater" as his armory was 100 percent compliant during no-notice explosive safety SAV. Pearson was a combat survivor. He braved three rocket attacks and responded under hostile fire to reinforce the base perimeter defense. Pearson was a top-notch instructor, diligently taught 47 personnel the tough Tactical Rifle Qualification Course with 100 percent qualified. 

He was a joint fighter. Pearson diplomatically procured an Iraqi Army Firing Range to proficiency qualify deployed personnel. He was also a top performer. Pearson daily maintained, issued and accurately accounted for more than 800 weapons and 720,000 rounds of ammo. Pearson was the pointman for Operation School Supplies, packed 800 pounds of supplies that aided more than 300 Iraqi children. He participated in seven Ramp Ceremonies honoring fellow comrades-in-arms and worked 12 self-help projects around the compound.