Three members of Team Vance honored with Air Force awards Published May 18, 2010 By Ensign Rex Miller 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Three members of Team Vance were recently honored with Air Force level awards. The trio was selected from among thousands in the Airfield Operations Awards for 2009. Capt. Joshua Leete, commander of the Airfield Operations Flight, received the Col. Derrel L. Dempsey Officer of the Year award. Master Sgt. James Mull, with the 71st Operations Support Squadron air traffic control tower, was named Air Traffic Control Enlisted Manager of the Year. Senior Airman Brandon Reyes, with the 71st Operations Support Squadron radar approach control, secured Air Traffic Controller of the Year. "I think the fact that Vance brought home three Air Force level awards proves that it's not the size of the dot on the map that matters, but rather the dedication of the team," said Captain Leete. "The reality of the situation is that none of us got these awards on our own." The three competed for the Air Force level awards after receiving the equivalent Air Education and Training Command level awards. "The award meant a lot to me," said Airman Reyes. "I was extremely happy just to be nominated. It was great to have the support from my leadership." The common thread expressed amongst the award winners was that the awards were not won by individuals, but represent the overall excellence of the Airfield Operations Flight. "I feel very humble and know that this award was not just an individual award but a team effort as there are many throughout the year that put in a lot of hard work to make it happen," said Sergeant Mull. "They made these awards happen, and I couldn't be more proud to work side by side with them every day," said Captain Leete.