Parnell garners Pitsenbarger Award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 917th WG/PA
Barksdale AFB, La. --  Master Sgt. Randall A. Parnell, flight line expeditor, 717th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was presented the Pitsenbarger Award for the Reserves along his Associate in Applied Science Aviation Maintenance Technology degree from the Community College of the Air Force during ceremonies at the Bossier City Civic Center in Bossier City, La., May 27, 2010.

The award is named for Airman First Class William H. Pitsenbarger, a Pararescueman, who unselfishly gave his life trying to save casualties near Saigon April 11, 1966, at the young age of 21.

Airman Pitsenbarger was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on December 8, 2000. Because of his valor, the lives of nine men were saved, and he is still honored today with the scholarship named for him.

The Pitsenbarger award is a $400.00 scholarship for military CCAF recipients who are attending or with the intent to enroll to complete their bachelor degree. To qualify, an applicant must submit citations and awards representing distinguished activity; and they must provide a "narrative statement showing their extracurricular activities and explaining their significance..." They must also have their Commander's endorsement. 

Additional Barksdale Reservist CCAF graduates for May 2010 were:

Joseph C. Alizzi, Associate in Applied Science Construction Technology
Sherri L. Bohannon, Associate in Applied Science Education & Training Management
Robert E. Castellano, Associate in Applied Science Aviation Maintenance Technology
David L. Fogg, Associate in Applied Science Aircraft Armament System Technology
Rebecca S. Fowles, Associate in Applied Science Nondestructive Testing Technology
Paul B. Hite, Associate in Applied Science Aviation Maintenance Technology
Michael L. Johnson Jr., Associate in Applied Science Criminal Justice
Erica M. Keammerer, Associate in Applied Science Education & Training Management
Joseph A. Lagrone, Associate in Applied Science Environmental Systems Technology
Henry S. May III, Associate in Applied Science Avionic Systems Technology
Marie D. Miller, Associate in Applied Science Bioenvironmental Engineering Technology
Brett L. Vickers, Associate in Applied Science Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Tyler J. Whsenhunt, Associate in Applied Science Construction Technology
John F. Wiser, Associate in Applied Science Construction Technology