LAS VEGAS — The quiet, unsung heroes of Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases were recently honored by the Las Vegas Rotary Club as part of a program that has recognized local Airmen every year over the past 21 years.“In 2003, the Las Vegas Rotary Club created the “Wetzel Award” to honor local Airmen,” said Las Vegas Rotary Club President Kirk Alexander. “We continue this tradition every year by recognizing five outstanding Airmen who serve our country and our community.”
Every quarter, leaders at Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases select five Airmen for recognition. The Airmen are recognized in person at Club meetings and receive gifts including dining allowances at Lawry’s The Prime Rib, gift cards for gaming and hotel stays and tickets to Las Vegas shows. The Wetzel Award is named in memory of Rotarian Colonel Scotty Wetzel, an Air Force fighter pilot and wing commander.
“Nellis AFB would like to thank the Las Vegas Rotary Club for being a long-standing community partner and for their continued support of Nellis AFB and its Airmen,” said Tech Sgt. Garrett Peterson, executive assistant to the Command Chief, 99th Air Base Wing at Nellis. “Your help aids Nellis in accomplishing its mission of taking care of its Airmen.”
This quarter’s Wetzel Award honorees are:
Staff Sgt Rayshaun Glover, non-commissioned officer in charge of the 414th Combat Training Squadron’s Cyber Operations and Information Technology Division, was recognized for his work with 5th-generation fighter aircraft units.
Staff Sgt Roshelle Pratt, of the 432d Operations Support Squadron, reprogrammed multiple computer documents and organized search-and-rescue training for airmen at Nellis and Creech AFBs.
Staff Sgt Eric Ring, non-commissioned officer in charge of Reports and Analysis for the 99th Security Forces Squadron, hosted training on fingerprint, DNA collection and other advanced topics.
Senior Airman Kane Flores, a paralegal with the Warfare Center Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, aided his team in preparing various legal documents, saving clients $152,000 in legal fees and protecting over $50 million in property and personal assets.
Senior Airman Alexandra Ortega of the 78th Attack Squadron at Creech AFB excelled in a variety of administrative functions, including tasks that saved $227,000 in Air Force funds.
Founded in 1923, the Las Vegas Rotary Club is a service-oriented, nonprofit club whose members support a variety of community and international charitable activities through their volunteer efforts and financial support.
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