Validation, Hard working 509er recognized AF Wide

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Linch
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  A pleasant surprise came to Tech. Sgt. Knicole Akins, non-commissioned officer in-charge of pharmacy services, when her first sergeant and superintendent paid her a visit Feb. 2. 

Her concerned faded, and a smile crossed her face when they told her she had been chosen as the Air Force Pharmacy Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year 2008. 

Being selected as the top pharmacy NCO in the Air Force is truly an outstanding honor for Sergeant Akins and the rest of the pharmacy crew, said Lt. Col. Michael Lee, 509th Medical Support Squadron Diagnostics and Therapeutics Flight commander. 

"I don't see myself as an outstanding performer because I'm only doing my job," said the new mother of twins about being recognized as the best NCO in a career field of 900. 

Colonel Lee respectfully disagreed saying, "Sergeant Akins is truly the most outstanding NCO I have worked with in my entire 15 year career. Knicole's selection is a validation of her hard work and dedication to our patients and the pharmacy crew here at the 509th Medical Group Pharmacy. 

"Knicole's unique ability to balance work, family and career never ceases to amaze me," he said. "During my tenure with her, Knicole completed her Master's Degree, had twins and improved pharmacy services to its highest level to date.

"Knicole embodies the whole person concept and the Air Force has done well to choose her as the top pharmacy NCO," he added. 

A normal day at the pharmacy consists of filling, typing, checking, dispensing prescriptions, counseling patients, calling in-house and outside providers for prescription clarifications, processing refills, and most importantly lending an ear when subordinates need to talk her, said Sergeant Akins. 

"When I walk into the pharmacy in the morning, I find that she is always fast at work, filling refill prescriptions, dealing with narcotics or whatever needs to be done," said Airman 1st Class Amy Bradford, 509th Medical Support Squadron. "Although she has many additional duties as the pharmacy NCOIC, she always helps out with the pharmacy line. It's something we all appreciate about her, and something for which I really look up to her." 

"Behind every good officer is a great NCO," said Colonel Lee. "Sergeant Akins has been that great NCO for me. For Sergeant Akins' peers and the folks who work for her, she is a straight shooter and totally honest. What more could one ask for in an NCO?"