Disney's Animal Kingdom Hosts the 2001 United States Air Force "Outstanding Airmen of the Year" - LaughingPlace.com: Disney World, Disneyland and More

Disney's Animal Kingdom Hosts the 2001 United States Air Force "Outstanding Airmen of the Year"

Disney's Animal Kingdom Hosts the 2001 United States Air Force "Outstanding Airmen of the Year"

On Monday, February 11, 2002, the best of the best from the United States Air Force celebrated at Walt Disney World Resort in fun fashion. Twelve "Outstanding Airmen of the Year" were honored as grand marshals in the newest parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom, "Mickey's Jammin' Jungle" parade, celebrating 100 Years of Magic. The airmen, representing airbases from all over the world, spent the afternoon high atop the parade floats while hundreds of park guests cheered them on.

Every year the Air Force selects 12 individuals to represent the more than 400,000 enlisted men and women from the active duty, guard, and reserve forces. These people started the competition at their home stations, and finally won the title as "Outstanding Airmen of the Year." They will hold the title for one year.

Today's fun-filled moments at Disney's Animal Kingdom mark the beginning of a week's worth of activities for the "Outstanding Airmen of the Year." The 12 men and women will officially receive their awards later this week at a ceremony here in Orlando, Fla. Congratulations to the United States Air Force Best!



2001 "Outstanding Airmen of the Year"

  • Master Sergeant D. Dexter Lesieur - Springfield, Mass.
  • Technical Sergeant Myrna L.S. Cornelson - Jekyll Island, Ga.
  • Staff Sergeant Brandon R. Pearce - Redondo Beach, Calif.
  • Technical Sergeant John A. Maldonado II - Bronx, N.Y.
  • SRA Dennis L. Alexander - Pacoima, Calif.
  • Senior Airman Jason R. Raether - Sonora, Calif.
  • Technical Sergeant Monica M. Hill - Brooklyn, N.Y.
  • Technical Sergeant Ronald A. Gisel - Sumter, S.C.
  • Staff Sergeant James J. Delo, Jr. - Pittsburgh, Penn.
  • Senior Airman Tien N. Ho - Dover-Foxcraft, Maine
  • Senior Airman Gregory W. Fry - Westover AFB, Massachusetts
  • Technical Sergeant Maria D. Cornelia - Bloomington, Ind.

--Posted February 12, 2002

Source: Walt Disney World Press Release