Two Malmstrom Warriors experience OAY celebrations: Senior Master Sgt. Neutzling advances to AF OAY first sergeant competition

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Two members of Team Malmstrom spent the week of April 23 to 27 at Air Force Space Command headquarters representing 20th Air Force as nominees for the Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Neutzling, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron, represented the first sergeant category and Senior Airman Odniel Gonzalez-Ortiz, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron, represented the Airman category. 

In a week that began with "an awe-inspiring welcome ceremony," according to Sergeant Neutzling, it incorporated many opportunities to learn and interact with key members of leadership in very small settings. 

"The catalyst behind this is to have us understand the full scope of what Space Command brings to the table as a MAJCOM," Sergeant Neutzling said. 

To accomplish that, the group of nominees spent the week at key locations such as local attractions like Pike's Peak and Garden of the Gods while also being exposed to military missions at Cheyenne Mountain and the U. S. Air Force Academy. Nominees also met with the numbered Air Force commanders, wing commanders and command chiefs from throughout AFSPC. 

"Out of this fast-paced week, I came away with a high sense of dignity for what I do and an understanding of the magnitude of Space Command's mission," Airman Gonzalez-Ortiz said. "By being able to have conversations with commanders, command chiefs and my fellow nominees, I was able to paint in my mind the big picture of our mission as Space Command and the very important role Malmstrom has in this command." 

Both Sergeant Neutzling and Airman Gonzalez-Ortiz were dually impressed by the Academy and found it one of their most memorable parts of the week's events. 

"I only wish I had known about it earlier in life," Airman Gonzalez-Ortiz said. "I will recommend it to everybody that's up for the challenge and I will personally take on the role of an unofficial spokesperson for that incredible institution." 

The awards ceremony was held Friday night, hosted by Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, AFSPC commander and Chief Master Sgt. Michael Sullivan, AFSPC command chief . The 21 nominees were asked to take center stage during introductions and proceeded through an eight-member saber cordon. 

The night continued with dinner, a slide show, music by the U.S. Air Force Academy band, Blue Steel and remarks by a former OAY selectee, retired Chief Master Sgt. Charles Zimkas Jr., who called the nominees "brilliant, consistent, academically focused, superstars, dynamic leaders and operational geniuses." 

To conclude the evening was the announcement of the winners. 

"This group of nominees was the epitome of comraderie," Sergeant Neutzling said. "It was the kind of group that it didn't really matter who won. Everyone was cheering for everyone else." 

Sergeant Neutzling will go on to represent AFSPC at the Air Force level competition.
Following the presentation of the awards, Chief Sullivan asked Airman-category winner, Senior Airman Ashley Garland to recite the new Airman's Creed. She approached the chief and whispered in his ear; he granted her request. She then asked the three other Airman-category nominees to join her on stage. Following her lead, each proceeded to recite one of the four stanzas of the Creed. 

"I think we just saw an outstanding demonstration of leadership that will let me sleep at night," General Chilton said in his closing remarks. "Every one of our nominees is an inspiration to me ... How blessed we are to have such outstanding Airmen representing Air Force Space Command." 

Editor's Note: Master Sgt. Dorothy Goepel, AFSCP Public Affairs Office, contributed to this story.