509th Medical Group earns AFGSC best clinic award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michaela R. Slanchik
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The 509th Medical Group (MDG) at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., was named the U.S. Air Force Surgeon General Award for Best Clinic winner at the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) level. The 2015 Air Force Medical Service awards were announced Nov. 9, 2015.

The award is based on accomplishments submitted to each major command. Among other achievements, the 509th MDG was rated first in AFGSC for dental patient satisfaction and achieved 100 percent compliance in both Occupational and Environmental Health exams and Preventative Health Assessments, making them first in AFGSC.

"When we wrote the package, our goal was to highlight Airmen from every area of the medical group," said Master Sgt. Cynthia Porras, the 509th Medical Support Squadron (MDSS) superintendent. "That way, everyone has ownership and responsibility of being part of the best clinic."

The 509th MDG attributes their success to the passion and heart their Airmen operate with every day to do their best, said Senior Master Sgt. Julie Bottroff, the 509th MDG interim superintendent.

"Our medics are professionals who support Team Whiteman and enable the Wing's mission on a daily basis," said Col. Judy Stoltmann, the 509th MDG commander. "When your focus is to provide the best patient care possible, the rest of the pieces fall into place."

The 509th MDG submitted their package to compete at the Air Force level and expect results early next year, said Bottroff.

"It is an honor to make sure that they get the recognition that they deserve," said Porras. "Day in and day out I watch them work hard, and I like to see that effort pay off in some kind of recognition that is tangible."

In addition to the best clinic award, the 509th MDG earned nine of the 33 individual categories they submitted for.

"Team Whiteman's clinic has done an amazing job," said Bottroff. "I can't wait to see what we do in the future."


The following are individual awards earned by Airmen from the 509th MDG.

Small Dental Clinic of the Year:
509th Medical Operations Squadron (MDOS)

Outstanding Achievement in Nursing Force Development:
Maj. Krista D. Grey, 509th MDG

U.S. Air Force Biomedical Specialist Category I Officer of the Year - field grade officer:
Maj Robert D. Schmidtgoessling, 509th MDOS

U.S. Air Force Clinical Excellence Award - company grade officer:
Capt. Margaret M. Tajak, 509th MDOS

Air Force Medical Service Senior NCO Leadership Award:
Master Sgt. Cynthia D. Porras, 509th MDOS

U.S. Air Force Ophthalmic NCO of the Year:
Tech. Sgt. Joshua J. Karash, 509th MDOS

Outstanding Dental NCO of the Year:
Staff Sgt. Leonardo A. Lingaolingao, 509th MDOS

U.S. Air Force Public Health Airman of the Year:
Senior Airman Jeffery R. Afemon, 509th MDOS