Outstanding military members honored
Loretta Cael almost fell out of her chair Thursday when her son, Jon Cael, was named one of four Spokane armed forces personnel of the year.
Cael, a senior airman with the Washington Air National Guard, was recognized for his work ethic, volunteerism with Big Brothers Big Sisters and high achievement as an Eastern Washington University student.
About 250 people honored the area’s top enlisted military members at the 50th annual Armed Forces Persons of the Year luncheon at the Davenport Hotel, hosted by the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Nominees included Spokane individuals serving in all branches of the military.
In addition to Cael, who won in the junior enlisted category for the Reserve/Guard, other winners were:
“Washington Air National Guard Master Sgt. Karla B. McClure for the senior enlisted, Reserve/Guard category.
“Washington Army National Guard Sgt. Nicholas J. Stuart, active duty junior enlisted.
“Senior Air Force Master Sgt. Brian D. Lavoie, active duty senior enlisted.
Cael said he ultimately wants to pilot KC-135 tankers.
McClure works as services superintendent for the 141st Air Refueling Wing and assisted with tsunami relief a little more than a year ago.
She has worked in the military for 23 years.
“I like the traditions,” McClure said. “The people you meet are phenomenal. You get to serve the country of the United States.”
Stuart is responsible for deployment readiness for his Guard infantry detachment and has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He’s studying to become an English teacher and volunteers with the St. Anne’s Children’s Center.
Lavoie supervises air traffic control at Fairchild Air Force Base. He is also a Boy Scout leader.
The 92nd Aeromedical-Dental Squadron was awarded the Neal Fosseen Trophy for outstanding commitment to community relations.
The event was a homecoming of sorts for Air Force Brig. Gen. Randal D. Fullhart, former commander of the 92nd Air Refueling wing at Fairchild and the event’s keynote speaker.
Fullhart is now commandant of the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.
“There is no doubt our country, and indeed our world, is facing challenges of immense proportions, but with the leaders you are honoring here today … there’s no doubt we will succeed,” he said.