BOSSIER CITY, La. Kent Blotter, an interior electrician with the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, received the Civilian of the Year Category I Award during the Eighth Air Force 2008 Outstanding Airman of the Year banquet March 5.
Blotter received the award at a ceremony in the Riverdome at the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino in Bossier City, La., when Eighth Air Force officials announced the Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2008 awards in seven categories, including civilian category I and civilian category II.
"We at 'The Mighty Eighth' are extremely proud of all the nominees for their accomplishments over the past year," said Chief Master Sgt. Todd Kabalan, Eighth Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) command chief master sergeant. "The nominees competing at this level are the best of the best in their category; they lead by example and help showcase the excellence we strive for in the Eighth Air Force."
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Submitted Photo --
Kent Blotter, right, of the 5th Bomb Wing’s 5th Civil Engineer Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, was the winner of the Civilian of the Year Category I Award during the Eighth Air Force 2008 Outstanding Airman of the Year banquet March 5, shown in this Air Force photo. Next to Blotter is Lt. Gen. Bob Elder, commander of Eighth Air Force and a former bomb wing commander at Minot AFB.
The banquet recognizes the nominees for their superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.
Blotter, a cathodic protection technician with the 5th Bomb Wing's civil engineer squadron, is an avid supporter of wild and domestic animal welfare issues. He also assists with the Humane Society to aid in the rehabilitation and adoption of dogs and cats. He actively supports the Alley Cat Allies to aid in the feral population and control. Additionally, he contributes to the Federal Order Police North Dakota State Lodge youth education programs and is an active leader in the Cub Scout program.
All winners of the Outstanding Airmen of the Year will represent Eighth Air Force at the Air Combat Command Outstanding Airmen of the Year ceremony in April. Winners at the command level then compete at the Air Force level for the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for the Air Force.