Reservist among Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen Published Oct. 25, 2005 ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- An Air Force Reserve Command senior NCO is one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2005. Senior Master Sgt. Anthony J. Rittwager is the accessories flight chief for the 514th Maintenance Squadron at McGuire AFB, N.J. An Air Force board at the Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph AFB, Texas, selected him from 45 nominees representing major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and air staff agencies. The board convened in May and picked the 12 based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements. A personnel center news release announced the winners July 8. As a command nominee Sergeant Rittwager became eligible to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year ribbon. As one of the 12 winners he is authorized to wear the bronze service star device on the ribbon. In addition, the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year will wear the Outstanding Airman Badge for one year from the date of formal presentation. The Air Force Association will honor the Airmen during its Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., in September. For the next year they will serve as members of the AFA's enlisted advisory council. After completing basic training in March 1981, Sergeant Rittwager went to McGuire’s 438th Organizational Maintenance Squadron as an assistant crew chief. He deployed to Egypt in 1983 for Operation Bright Star and to Oman in 1984 for Operation Accurate Test. He separated from active duty in January 1985 and joined the Air Force Reserve’s 514th Military Airlift Wing at McGuire. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Sergeant Rittwager took part in the recall and management of reserve forces. He participated in Operations Restore Hope, Phoenix Pace, Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom.