The annual awards gala was held Feb. 8 at the Knights of Columbus on James St. The event was held to disclose the annual award winners. “For all the Airmen who showed up, thank you, you’ve made this event special,” said Col. Craig Peters, commander, 439th Airlift Wing giving a speech before ceremony started. “At first I was optimistic about the size of the crowd, but you blew it out of the water with over 400 people here tonight.” One of the main events was Col. Patrick Dufraine, inspector general, 439th Airlift Wing playing the national anthem on his cello. Chief Master Sgt. James Loper, chief, Air Force Reserve Chief’s Group, Reserve3 Senior Leader Management Office, Office of the Air Force Reserve, the Pentagon, Washington D.C. was the guest speaker.