Senator Young to Honor Air Force Senior Airman
December 30, 2005
Polly-Jan Bobseine Of Cattaraugus Selected As Airman Of The Year
State Senator Catharine "Cathy" Young (R,I,C - Olean) today announced her plans to honor Senior Airman Polly-Jan Bobseine of Cattaraugus with a New York State Senate Resolution proclaiming her recent prestigious award from the United States Air Force Air Combat Command as Airman of the Year for 2005.
Senior Airman Bobseine is currently stationed in northern Iraq with the 823rd Security Forces Squadron. She is on her third deployment having previously completed two other tours in Iraq.
The Airman of the Year is a highly competitive selection process beginning at the squadron level and progressing through group, wing and numbered Air Force. The Airman was singled out for "meeting the highest standards of military bearing and behavior" from a field of thousands. Candidates are nominated for outstanding professional skill, superior knowledge, leadership and devotion to duty.
"I am introducing a Senate Resolution honoring Senior Airman Bobseine’s exceptional accomplishments and her service for a grateful nation," said Senator Young. "I’m pleased that I can recognize Polly’s achievements on behalf of the State Senate, Southern Tier and 57th Senate District."
In a letter to Senior Airman Bobseine’s parents, State Department of Environmental Conservation Captain Gary and Mrs. Jan Bobseine of Cattaraugus, Chief Master Sergeant Terrance Reynolds who commands the 823rd stated, "In my nearly 24 years of service, I have seen few young troops as bright, dedicated, and talented as Polly. Particularly, she maintains an overwhelmingly positive attitude despite any adversity, which is thankfully infectious among her peers! Needless to say we’re very proud to have her in our unit."
The Chief continued, "For the award period of 1 October 2004 through 30 September 2005, she was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for over 200 days, providing security at two Coalition air bases. She participated in security patrols operating in dangerous areas, and was instrumental in thwarting sever insurgent attacks, well as providing security during Iraq’s first historic democratic election. In addition to her duty performance, she dedicated her spare time to help others in the community near Mood Air Force Base Georgia.
Between deployments Airman Bobseine has completed airborne training at Fort Benning Georgia. She also competes in trap shooting, triathlon, and is pursuing her private pilot certificate.