Four Airmen receive LOA scholarships

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jason M. Holzman
  • 416 Supply Chain Management Squadron
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  On June 7 the Wasatch Warrior Logistics Officer Association, or LOA, held its annual Scholarship Banquet to honor Airmen with exceptional efforts in furthering their educational goals and to announce the association's new incoming board members. This year, four outstanding Airmen were awarded scholarships totaling $4,000.

This year's headlining guest speaker was Capt Steven Lyman, Special Tactics Joint Terminal Attack Controller for the 561st Joint Tactics Squadron, Nellis, Air Force Base, Nev. Lyman offered a very unique perspective to the Hill AFB logisticians regarding his Special Tactics career field. He discussed some of the diverse missions and roles of his intricate yet intense organization. He illustrated their efforts through several "operational examples," including their recent responsibilities in Operation Unified Response in Haiti. The overall concept was clear: In the end, logistics are crucial to their priorities, requirements and overall operation.

After Lyman addressed the attendees, 1st Lt. Shannon Laubenthal, master of ceremonies, announced this year's scholarship award winners.

The scholarships were presented by Ogden Air Logistics Center Commander Maj. Gen. Andrew E. Busch, 309th Maintenance Wing Commander Brig. Gen. John B. Cooper, and Capt. Claudio Covacci, outgoing LOA president.

This year's scholarship winners were:

Master Sgt. Angela M. Sanders-Crum, 416th Supply Chain Management Squadron

John C. Kippen, 309th Missile Maintenance Group

Technical Sgt. Michael Taylor, 419th Maintenance Squadron

Zachary J. Pearson, 523rd Electronics Maintenance Squadron

Following the presentation of the awards, Covacci gave his final thoughts as president of LOA and announced the successive LOA executive board members.

They include as president, Capt. Erik Schmid, OO-ALC/CVB; as vice president, 2nd Lt. Jason Holzman, 416th SCMS/GUMAD; and as information officer, 1st Lt. Forrest Taylor, 416th SCMS/GUMBC. Other board positions will remain occupied by incumbent members.

The mission of LOA is to enhance the military logistics profession and is dedicated to the readiness and sustainability of aerospace, as stated in the association's official Web site, www.loanational.org. The national association is comprised of more than 3,000 military officers and civilians in logistics fields around the globe and provides an open forum to promote quality logistical support and logistics officer professional development. Its next meeting will be July 15 at 3:30 p.m. at The Club Ball Room. If you would like more information regarding the LOA Hill AFB chapter please feel free to contact the LOA Chapter President, Capt. Erik Schmid at Erik.Schmid@hill.af.mil.