Elmendorf SNCO earns AF shirt award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Senior Master Sgt. Rita Felton, 3rd Medical Group first sergeant, was recently named the 2009 U.S. Air Force First Sergeant of the Year. 

At the time of her award, Felton was the first sergeant for the 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron. 

"My commander, Lieutenant Colonel (Dean) Hartman, called me and said, 'Shirt, I need to see you in your office at 1700,'" said Felton, describing how she found out she had won the award. "When he arrived, he looked in the office and said, 'I will be right back.' When he returned, I noticed behind him were the wing commander, group commander, command chief master sergeant and the group superintendant. I remember Colonel (Thomas) Bergeson telling me I was selected as the First Sergeant of the Year. I remember saying 'thank you,' but after that I was in complete shock. However, once they departed I do remember releasing a loud 'woo hoo.'" 

Felton said she spends her days providing her commander with a ready and capable enlisted force to execute the mission. She said in order to execute this, she ensures the enlisted force understand the commander's policies, goals and objectives, and helps them accomplish these goals through teamwork. 

This is the first time Felton has won an award at this level. "I do believe success follows when you put people first," Felton said. "My most prized awards were not in the form of a formal award or recognition, but in the gratification in knowing that I was instrumental in helping someone along the way and making a difference in their life." 

The opportunity to serve others is really what Felton said she loves about her job. She said she looks for ways to serve and bless people every day. 

"First, I give praise and honor to God for this blessing because he worked in and through me to make this happen," Felton said. "I am also grateful for my husband, a 30-year retired chief master sergeant, who is my biggest fan, mentor and supporter." 

The Air Force announced the winners June 24. 

Felton will accept her award Aug. 19 at the Air Force Sergeants Association Convention Honors Banquet in Atlanta, Ga.