Vance chaplain assistant named best in AETC for 2009 Published Feb. 17, 2010 By Joe B. Wiles 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Staff Sgt. Jessica Wilson, with the 71st Flying Training Wing Chapel staff, was named the Outstanding Chaplain Assistant Airman in the Air Education and Training Command for 2009. Sergeant Wilson, who came to Vance right out of tech school six years ago, was selected for the award based on her work in the Vance and Enid communities and her efforts during a six-month deployment to Bagram AB, Afghanistan, last year. While in Bagram, she was in charge of distributing more than two tons of health-care items and clothing to Afghan, U.S. and coalition military members at the base hospital. Sergeant Wilson organized chaplain visits for more than 2,500 patients. Back home, she has worked with the Enid YWCA's Adopt a Family program and participated in last year's Special Olympics held at Vance. When Sergeant Wilson joined the Air Force six years ago, she had no idea what she wanted to do. "I was offered the chaplain assistant career field, and it sounded like a good fit," she said. "I love working in the chapel." Her nomination package will be forwarded for Air Force level competition.