Team Dyess Airman of the Quarter announced

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ABILENE, Texas --  Honoring Airmen for exceptional service has been a long standing tradition at Dyess Air Force Base.

The latest Airman to be awarded for her outstanding performance is Senior Airman Adrian Eckert, 7th Contracting Squadron contract administrator. Airman Eckert was named Airman of the Quarter for the 7th Mission Support Group and was awarded the 7th Bomb Wing Team Dyess Award for the first quarter.

The award was given to Airman Eckert after a panel composed of the squadron commander, Director of Business Operations and flight chiefs recommended her to the 7th Mission Support Group and the 7th Bomb Wing for further evaluation. Airman Eckert was evaluated on her overall contribution to the support of the 7th Bomb Wing in negotiating, awarding and oversight of projects to upgrade facilities and overall contribution to the well-being of the Airmen and their families at Dyess.

"Senior Airman Eckert demonstrates excellent knowledge of her job and has worked
endless hours to insure that her contracts were in compliance with federal regulations," said Ronald Miller, Infrastructure Flight chief, in his nomination form for Airman Eckert. "She has always excelled in every way and is a leader among the airmen assigned to the infrastructure flight," he added.

Senior Airman Eckert began her military career with the Air Force in February 2005. Upon graduation from basic training, she received a direct-duty assignment to the 7th Contracting Squadron at Dyess. Since her arrival at Dyess, Airman Eckert has served in two successful deployments to Southwest Asia. Her additional military decorations include the Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal,
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Air Force Training Ribbon.

"I did not know about this nomination," Airman Eckert said of being selected. "I did not expect my name to actually be called. It felt a bit surreal at first," she added.

Senior Airman Eckert obtained her Community College of the Air Force degree in
Contracts Management and is currently working toward her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology.

Airman Eckert originally hails from Las Cruces, New Mexico, and is the daughter of Thomas and Diana Gibson. She is married to former Abilene Zoo Keeper, Sean Eckert, who has since joined the Marines and will graduate from Officer Candidate School this December. 

"I really have a soft spot for the Abilene Zoo. Unlike most zoos I have visited, I love that I can get so up-close and personal with all of the animals," said Airman Eckert.

"Dyess Air Force Base is fortunate to receive outstanding support from its quarterly
community sponsors, which make awards ceremonies such as this possible," said Col. Robert Gass in his benediction at the Team Dyess Quarterly Awards Ceremony.

The quarterly sponsors are comprised of 22 local businesses, which includes 20 Chamber of Commerce members, that support the mission of this program. The Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau recently joined Dyess to recognize the quarterly award winner. 

"The quarterly awards program is a great opportunity to take time to show our Airmen how much we appreciate their service, not only to our country, but within the Abilene community," said Shanna Smith, heritage tourism and special projects coordinator at the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau.