Yokota Chiefs Group present first "Sharp Troop Award"

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Christopher Love
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  The workday had just begun, when the 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs staff was summoned for an unexpected meeting. Airmen and civilians gathered together, not knowing what to think, when, without warning, eleven chiefs filed quietly into the room.

For the members of Public Affairs who promptly rose to attention, this had the potential to be a very bad day. Fortunately for all, it was not.

Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Pfeffer, 374th Communications Squadron operations flight chief, began by calling Airman 1st Class Katrina Menchaca to the front of the room. Little did she know that she was the first Yokota Airman to receive the Chiefs' Group "Sharp Troop Award."

Chief Pfeffer stepped forward and proceeded to laud Airman Menchaca for her "expert photography skills which have paid huge dividends to all our support forces stationed back here at Yokota... She has brought the front line to us!" Chief Pfeffer said.

Airman Menchaca received a "Sharp Troop" certificate and a Chiefs' Group coin. Then she was led outside for a group picture with the 11 senior-ranking enlisted members who had caused such concern, just moments before.

The morning's events came as the first of what will be a monthly ceremony, to honor military members, E-6 and below, whose exemplary standards, appearance and professionalism garner the attention of one or more of Yokota's chiefs. All military members stationed at Yokota, regardless of branch, are eligible to receive the award.

The nominations and selections--all of them coming from and by chiefs--will remain a secret, to help ensure the presentation remains a surprise.

"The intent of this award was to show that we're out there, noticing what Airmen are doing," said Chief Cornell. "Chiefs want to recognize young enlisted service members who stand out in dress and appearance, job performance and for going the extra mile to ensure mission success. It's our hope that this recognition will encourage continued service by acknowledging a job well done"

Chief Cornell first encountered the Sharp Troop Award while stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. He proposed starting a similar program here at Yokota, shortly after being elected Chiefs' Group President.

"We need good Airmen," he said. "Our wing counts on them to know their job and do it well. Our Air Force also counts on them and, ultimately, our nation. They should be proud to serve and to wear that uniform. We intend to drive that home and inspire them to stay in the Air Force."

For Airmen Menchaca, a native of Caldwell, Idaho, the chiefs' gesture created quite a stir.

"It's awesome and amazing," she said. "We're public affairs; we're usually the ones taking pictures of people getting awards, not the ones being awarded."

Newly married, as of little more than a week, this "Sharp Troop" doesn't have to celebrate alone.

"I already told him," Airman Menchaca said, mere minutes after taking her picture with the chiefs. "He's excited--more excited than me."