Dyess NCO recognized as ACC's best

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Charles V. Rivezzo
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  "I am an American Airman. I am a warrior. I have answered my nation's call. I am faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor and a legacy of valor. I am an American Airman,
wingman, leader, warrior."

These words, taken from the Airman's Creed, are the epitome of what it is to be an noncommisioned officer. In Air Combat Command, no one showcased these traits more so than Tech. Sgt. Celeste Okokon, 7th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, as she was named ACC's NCO of the Year for 2012.

"ACC's Outstanding Airmen of the Year represent superb Airmen doing great work," said Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of ACC. "They represent the leading edge and high quality work of all our Airmen."

Serving as the flight chief of dental services for the 7th Bomb Wing, Okokon was chosen for the annual award based on her superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal accomplishments as an NCO.

"This award means a lot to me," she said. "However, this award isn't just for me, but more so for the entire Air Force dental community. It's really hard when you're competing against people that are on the flightline, deploying, dropping bombs and savings lives, we don't get that opportunity. I'm a dental hygienist, we prevent stuff from happening so you can go out and be safe. It's truly a great recognition for the dental and medical world."

Okokon is directly responsible for the clinical and community oral health of more than 4,000 patients. As the base's sole military registered dental hygienist and only one of 46 hygienists Air Force-wide, she also serves as the chief of preventive dentistry.

Furthermore, Okokon's contributions to the Dyess community go far beyond her normal medical duties. She is heavily involved in multiple private organizations to include Team Dyess' Top 3 Association where she serves as their treasurer, the Air Force Sergeants Association, the 7th Medical Group's Top 4 as well as the American Dental Education Association.

The Long Beach, Calif., native is also near the completion of her bachelor's degree in dental hygiene.

"NCOs need to set the example, that's the bottom line," Okokon said. "I do everything my Airmen do because I don't want them to think NCOs and senior NCOs are any better than them. I think mentoring, leading by example and holding people accountable is what truly makes a great NCO."

With such accomplishments in her Air Force enlistment, one would think that Okokon is satisfied with where she is in her career. However, for this Dyess Airman, the sky is the only limit for her dreams and aspirations.

"I want to be a chief; I want to hopefully be the first female Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force one day," she said.