317 AG maintainers recognized for exceptional performance Published May 13, 2010 By 1st Lt. Danielle Kreger 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 317th Airlift Group maintainers are no strangers to working long hours and constant deployments. So when the opportunity to get friends and family together to recognize superior performers and celebrate our success came about, it was sure to be one heck of a party. The 317th Airlift Group maintainers gathered May 7at the Ball Ranch for their 2nd Annual Knucklebuster Banquet. The night kicked off with home-cooked, Texas-style barbecue, followed by live music from the Ball Ranch's own Ball Ranch Family Singers. After the dust settled, Brig. Gen. Kenneth D. Merchant, Director of Logistics, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., reminded the crowd of why they serve in the military and challenged them to consider that and family when times are hard. The award presentations followed, along with a special thanks to the award winners' family members and supervisors for their support over the past year. The 317 AG 2009 Annual Awards recipients are: Tech. Sgt. Mark Viola-Turner - Maintenance Training Flight Instructor of the Year Tech. Sgt. Mary Anne Bebin - Training Manager of the Year Senior Airman Billy Pryor - Airman Maintenance Professional of the Year Tech. Sgt. Dathan Hayes - NCO Maintenance Professional of the Year Master Sgt. Adam Brunkow - Senior NCO Maintenance Professional of the Year 1st Lt. Fernando Rolon - CGO Maintenance Professional of the Year Staff Sgt. Ryan Flores - Crew Chief of the Year Master Sgt. Michael Mitchum - Senior NCO General Lew Allen Junior Trophy ยท Sergeant Mitchum also won at the AMC level Capt. Antwan Johnson - CGO General Lew Allen Junior Trophy Senior Airman Matthew Gersman - Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award Airman Category Tech. Sgt. Jason Partridge - Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award NCO Category Master Sgt. James Derby Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award Senior NCO Category Captain Johnson Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award CGO Category Maj. Justin Barry Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award FGO Category 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron - Maintenance Effectiveness Award