An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

LT named ANG’s Communications, Information CGO of year

  • Published
  • By Capt. Alysia Harvey
  • Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs
A Joint Task Force-Bravo member recently earned national recognition when he was singled out as company grade officer of the year for being the best in his career field. 

First Lt. Chris Wimberly, assigned to JTF-B's Army Forces Headquarters and Support Company, was named Air National Guard's 2006 Air Force Communications and Information Company Grade Officer of the Year. 

"When I received the email, I was ecstatic," said Lieutenant Wimberly, of being notified of his accomplishment via an email from his rear echelon commander March 7. "This is an awesome achievement, and this award allows me to represent not only all the people I work with, but also the entire state of Texas." 

Lieutenant Wimberly, here on a four-month deployment rotation from the 221st Combat Communications Squadron in Garland, Texas, won at the squadron, group and wing level before competing at the state and overall ANG level. Now that he's won at the overall ANG level, he will compete at the Air Force level. 

In the nomination package for his award, Lieutenant Wimberly is described as, "an extremely capable officer who never fails to deliver" and lists various accomplishments which include him being named the 221st Combat Communications Squadron's number one CGO for 2004 and 2005. Additionally, he lead a 43-person team to an "excellent" rating during an Operational Readiness Inspection, improved his unit's fitness program - leading to increased pass rates on the unit personnel's physical fitness tests, and re-energizing his unit's safety program. 

While excelling at his professional duties, Lieutenant Wimberly also made time for community involvement by serving as officer-in-charge of the honor guard, and spearheading the planning committee for his unit's combat mess, he also purchased flag cases using his personal money to improve the quality of retirement ceremonies. 

The accomplishments listed in his nomination package are just the tip of the iceberg according to his current commander, U.S. Army Capt. Shaheed Hickman, ARFOR HSC commander. 

"Chris is the epitome of what today's officer should be," said Captain Hickman. "He routinely goes above and beyond in performing his duties, and is always willing to help others. He seeks out new opportunities to learn, grow and lead both Soldiers and Airmen. We are very proud of him for achieving such high recognition and firmly believe that others are just coming to realize what we've known all along." 

Lieutenant Wimberly, who served 11 years in the enlisted corps, is humbled by the praise he's receiving, and says he attributes his success not only to his own hard work, but to that of the non-commissioned officers with whom he works and the leadership of his supervisors. 

"I won this award by seizing the opportunities given to me by leadership and by them challenging me... and whether I failed or succeeded, I often volunteered for the tough jobs because I knew they would improve my leadership abilities," the lieutenant said.  "But winning these awards is not just about taking on the tough jobs; it's about surrounding yourself with good NCOs and learning from them... I am fortunate to have so many."