Peterson Airmen pick up two state awards Published Aug. 14, 2007 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- Peterson cleaned up at the annual Colorado Air Force Association awards in July, taking home two out of the 10 state-wide honors presented. Staff Sgt. Andrew Williams, 721st Security Forces Squadron at Cheyenne Mountain, received the Airman of the Year award, and Tech. Sgt. Christopher Terrio, with the 6th Space Warning Squadron in Cape Cod, won the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year award. The Airmen were recommended for the annual awards by their wing commanders and then selected as nominees by a panel of command chiefs from the state's various Air Force organizations - NORAD/NORTHCOM, Peterson, Schriever, Buckley and the Air Force Academy. Peterson earned six nominations this year, four for Airmen and two for civilian employees. The winning Airmen were presented with their awards - large plaques with the Colorado AFA president's coin - at a gala banquet for all nominees July 27 in Denver. The honors, which have been given out by the AFA since 1960, are meant to reward Airmen for their outstanding work, said Joan Sell, the Colorado association's president. "It just gives us the opportunity to recognize the best of the best within the state of Colorado and, also, in Air Force Space Command," she said. Sergeant William said he was "ecstatic" to receive his award and said recognition from organizations such as the Colorado Air Force Association is great for boosting morale. "It helps everyone to continue the efforts they're recognized for, to keep doing what we do and giving back to the community," he said. Peterson's Colorado AFA Award nominees are: Airman of the Year - Staff Sgt. Andrew A. Williams Noncommissioned Officer of the Year - Tech. Sgt. Christopher M. Terrio Company Grade Officer of the Year - Capt. Todd E. Talbot Reserve Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year - Senior Master Sgt. Perry N. Barr Civilian of the Year (Cat. 1) - Ms. Jennifer D. Turkington Civilian of the Year (Cat. 2) - Mr. Darron A. Haughn