INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The hard work of 39th Medical Group personnel was acknowledged during the recent 2007 United States Air Forces in Europe Medical Service Awards competition where Airmen assigned to Incirlik's medical group received 17 awards.

Last year the 39 MDG received 14 awards.

"These awards are one of the ways we recognize people for their performance," said Col. Kimberly Cox, 39 MDG commander. "At the group level, many awards packages are submitted and every one is thoroughly examined to ensure the best of the best are recognized."

According to Colonel Cox, the 39 MDG did well in the awards competition, especially when considering it is one of the smaller USAFE medical groups.

"I've been in other medical groups with hundreds more people competing in many more awards categories and not had as many winners as Incirlik," she said.

One award winner said leadership played a crucial role in her being recognized as the USAFE Outstanding Health Plan Management Airman of the Year.

"It feels really good winning a USAFE-level award. I had a lot of guidance from my supervision in getting this far," said Airman 1st Class Jessica Bertke, 39 MDG release of information clerk. "My leadership set me up for success the moment I arrived on station." 

Airman Bertke said she was assigned challenging tasks and given a chance to excel.

The 39 MDG's achievements are even more impressive since its Airmen are currently filling positions normally reserved for noncommissioned officers due to low manning.

"I was placed in a high visibility position not usually handled by an Airman," Airman Bertke said. "It's been a welcome challenge, though, and I'm grateful for the opportunities afforded me to meet and surpass expectations."

Colonel Cox believes her staff definitely deserved the accolades.

"I'm elated for the entire medical group. These awards are a testament to the expertise, dedication and just plain hard work put forth by the entire MDG team every day," she said.

To see this list of award winners click here