Contracting Airman receives AMC and Air Force Level awards

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rito Smith
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Airmen are tasked with important jobs every day. However, some people may not know the importance of a contracting specialist. Contractors work hand and hand with every unit on base to ensure money is used appropriately and effectively.

Staff Sgt. Nia Holloway, contract specialist assigned to the 6th Contracting Squadron recently won the 2016 Air Mobility Command and Air Force Outstanding Contracting Enlisted Member of the year at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

Holloway met all of the requirements to receive the awards by showing her superior performance in job execution and professional development.

“I think one of the main reasons I won was because my team worked on some high-visibility construction contracts and I was also pursuing a master’s degree,” said Holloway. “I was also a physical training leader with a 100 percent PT score, and I am six months ahead of schedule on my 7-level core tasks.”

Although she was recognized in 2016, she has been striving to be a superior performer throughout her entire career.

“Throughout my career, I always looked for feedback and constructive criticism from my peers and supervisors,” said Holloway. “I also focused on the whole Airman concept, and pursued leadership opportunities around the shop and community.”

Although she says she’s always busy with a large workload, Holloway admits she had help from leadership at every level.

“My leadership always provided me with solid feedback and set me up for opportunities to excel outside of my comfort zone,” said Holloway. “I was entrusted with a difficult workload but my leadership was always available to guide me along the way.”

Her leadership says they recognized her zeal and work ethic and gave her opportunities to distinguish herself as an Airman.

“As a member of AMC’s busiest construction flight, the workload Holloway managed in terms of dollars and complexity was really demanding, and she handled it flawlessly,” said Tech Sgt. Ryan Amos, contracting officer assigned to the 6th CONS. “She was efficient enough to make time for other personal accomplishments as well, all of which distinguished her awards from others package and led to the recognition she received.”

She credits her success in the Air Force as an Airman and contractor to the support she has received from every level of leadership Air Force wide.

“When I first joined, I was a shy and an anxious person, but the opportunities that I was given throughout my career to succeed really pushed me out of my comfort zone,” said Holloway. “I think I can credit winning these awards to the feedback I received that motivated me to perform at a higher level.”

As Holloway moves forward in her career she will be trusted as a supervisor to help mentor and develop the next generation of Airmen.

“Moving forward, the sky is the limit for her,” said Amos. “She already possesses many of the tools and characteristics of a great Airman and leader, and is constantly working to add new tools to the box and refine the ones she already has.”