42nd MDSS Airman receives AETC 2015 12 OAY Award Published April 30, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Alexa Culbert 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. -- Senior Airman James Sottile, 42nd Medical Support Squadron biomedical equipment journeyman, was awarded the Air Education and Training Command 2015 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award in the Airman category. This award recognizes 12 outstanding enlisted personnel within AETC for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements. As biomedical equipment journeyman, Sottile ensures the integrity of medical equipment and enables providers to deliver premier healthcare. "I felt extremely grateful," said Sottile, from Cleveland, Ohio. "I know it took a herculean effort on the part of everyone in my chain to push me so far." Award nominees are reviewed based on their success during a one-year period. "The year leading to the award seemed to go very quickly," he said. "I stayed busy learning my job to the best of my ability. My advice is to do your job, apply yourself and demonstrate excellence in your work. If you put service before self, then you'll always be recognized." "It's been a great year for Senior Airman Sottile," said Col. Kevin Poitinger, 42nd Medical Group commander. "He's an Airman whose actions speak louder than his words, and this year his actions have spoken plenty. Senior Airman Sottile is truly deserving of this recognition, and I, along with his leadership, look forward to all the great things he is poised to do for our medical group and the Air Force."