9th Air Force Annual Award Winners Published Feb. 27, 2013 9th Air Force Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Chase Whitetree, 823rd RED HORSE Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla. Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Staff Sgt. Brian Richardson, 823rd RED HORSE Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla. Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sgt.Robbie Padgett, 823rd RED HORSE Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla. First Sergeant of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Joel Shepherd, 823rd RED HORSE Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla. Field Grade Officer of the Year: Lt. Col. Thomas Hancock, Headquarters, 9th Air Force, Shaw AFB, S.C. Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt John Conner, 823rd RED HORSE Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla. Civilian of the Year (Cat I): Mrs. Patricia Indreland, 819th RED HORSE Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Mont. Civilian of the Year (Cat II): Mrs. Elizabeth Waldrop, Headquarters, 9th Air Force, Shaw AFB, S.C.