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Coining Pope’s Finest: Each week Col. James Johnson, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander, highlights outstanding Airmen

  • Published
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
POPE AIF FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Col. James Johnson, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander, presented a Commander's Coin Tuesday to Lt. Col. Trent Tate, Capt. Laquanis Hooker, Capt. Deidra Lyon and 1st Lt. Joya Gamara, all from the 43rd Medical Group for their contributions to making this year's Air Force Ball a success. 

The Air Force Ball went off without complications Sept. 19 due to the combined actions and dedication of the four organizers. 

Colonel Tate, 43rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Commander, served as chairperson for the ball. As chairperson, he coordinated with Colonel Johnson to ensure this year's ball would be the best Pope has seen. Colonel Tate has served at Pope since February 2008.
 
Captain Hooker, 43rd MDG, is a Pope dentist and has been stationed here since August 2006. For the event, Captain Hooker dedicated her time as the vice chairman and base point of contact. She accounted for more than 350 ball tickets and dedicated more than 100 hours of her time to ensure the success of the ball. Captain Hooker is leaving to Kadena AB, Japan early November with her husband, Capt. Navondi Hooker. 

Captain Lyon, 43rd MDG, was an integral member of the Air Force Ball committee. As the decorations and catering chairperson, she obtained centerpieces for the ball. Captain Lyon transferred from the Army to the Air Force in 2005, and has since received her board certification in pediatric nursing as well as completed Squadron Officer School. She spends her free time watching football and running, as well as spending time with her three children, Kiana, 17, Christopher, 16 and Alexis, 6. 

Lieutenant Gamara, 43rd MDG, worked closely with Colonel Tate to secure the Fort Bragg Officer's Club as the venue for the event. She also coordinated the performance of Fort Bragg's 82nd All American Chorus. Lieutenant Gamara has served in the 43rd AMDS since May 2006 and is currently studying for Squadron Officer School. She and her husband, Rene, have three children, Janae, 11, Raelyssa, 7 and R.J., 5.