Whiteman Spirit Award

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509 Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Brig. Gen. Robert Wheeler, 509th Bomb Wing commander, presented Maj. Sanora Brunson, 509th Comptroller Squadron commander, with the Whiteman Spirit Award Nov. 30.

Retired Air Force Colonel John Riffle, nominated the Airman for the award.

According to the nomination, Major Brunson demonstrated superior performance and goes above and beyond in her duties with a positive attitude to accomplish any assignment given to her.

Major Brunson was elected president of the MOAA Spirit Chapter, here. She provides abundant cordiality towards members, active duty and retired; displays superior organizational skills; and arranges interesting speakers for the monthly chapter meetings, according to Colonel Riffle. She hosted their annual picnic and has initiated a newsletter. The Spirit Chapter said they appreciate her outstanding leadership ability and commitment to veterans.

Major Brunson's community involvement includes Base Community Council liaison to Higginsville, Mo., where she recently judged the "Miss Higginsville" contest. 

Most recently, Major Brunson was selected to attend the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., in 2010.

"Major Brunson is motivated with a winning spirit; faith in God; love and support of family and friends; and unexpected acts of compassion towards people," said Colonel Riffle. "The underlying principles of duty, honor and country have provided her the foundation for successful career in military and civilian life."

Personally Speaking: Maj. Sanora Brunson

Go-by name: Sanora
Duty Title: 509th Comptroller Squadron commander
Time on Station: 18 months
Time in Service: 20 years
Hometown: Tulsa, Okla.
Children: Tia, 8 Tanielle, 12 and Stephon, 17
Hobbies: Bowling and kids
Goals: "Inspire my children to strive to be successful and help others."
Best thing about Whiteman: "It is a nice clean base, in a state with four seasons that is surrounded by communities that support the military."
Pet Peeves: "Keepin' it real. I don't like fake and I don't like drama."
What motivates your winning spirit? "I like to have fun! I try to be involved in activities and programs that are fun, yet allow me to be an ambassador for the Air Force."
If you could change one thing about Whiteman, what would it be? "I would move it 40 miles west, just a little closer to Kansas City, Mo."