AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Four 31st Contracting Squadron Airmen garnered top honors in the 2008 U.S. Air Forces in Europe contracting awards competition.

Capt. John Sharkey, 2nd Lt. Daniel Finkenstadt, Tech. Sgt. Jason Thomas and Staff Sgt. Jamaal Valentine each received individual awards and will go on to compete at the Air Force-level later this year.

"I'm extremely proud of each of the award recipients," said Maj. William Ping, 31st CONS commander. "Being recognized by USAFE as the very best in the command and earning the opportunity to compete at the Air Force-level is a testament to their contributions and impacts to the customers we proudly support at home station and downrange."

"Each of them contributed in very different ways," he said. "Captain Sharkey and Sergeant Valentine are recognized for their efforts downrange serving as contingency contracting officers. Their impacts to the NATO mission in Afghanistan and to the Multi-National Force - Iraq are far reaching and contribute immensely to our nation's Global War on Terror."

Captain Sharkey, who currently works as the 31st CONS Base Acquisition deputy flight chief, was named the USAFE Outstanding Contingency Contracting Officer of the Year.

The Philadelphia native spent more than six months deployed to Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, working as the chief of contracting, a position historically filled by a major. A first lieutenant at the time, he oversaw 1,200 new contracts valued at more than $35 million.

During his deployment, he was also the contracting officer for the NATO-led Kabul International Airport conversions, a $180 million contract that closed KAIA South and stood-up KAIA North.

The 10-year veteran, also went on more than 30 missions "outside the wire" into hostile territory providing support to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force's busiest air base.

In addition, he sourced seven force protection contracts such as creating barriers, towers and distancing roads from the fence line to reduce the threat of indirect fire onto the KAIA.

"This award was made possible because of a strong team effort," said Captain Sharkey. "Nothing gets accomplished downrange without a lot of cooperation between nations and the multinational team that I worked with never failed to impress."

Sergeant Valentine, who has been a 31st CONS contracting officer since June 2007, earned top honors as the USAFE Outstanding Contingency Contracting Officer of the year for the enlisted category.

The Oxnard, Calif., native served on a six-month deployment to Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq, where he executed more than 115 new contracts; including 24 security, logistics and life support contracts, valued at $213 million.

Included in these efforts were managing a $41 million Camp Bucca Detention sustainment acquisition, $15 million base X-ray system for base entry and a $15 million convoy operations project that supplied more than 11,000 tons of materials and armored vehicles in support of Iraqi military forces.

The nine-year veteran was also recognized by the Joint Contracting Command - Iraq/Afghanistan commander for his heroic efforts in administering vital combat first aid to a Soldier and civilian contractor during an in-direct fire attack.

"I'd attribute this award to my lord and savior for allowing me to learn and apply so many lessons from both good and not-so-good people," said Sergeant Valentine.

Lieutenant Finkenstadt, who also works with Sergeant Valentine and Captain Sharkey within the 31st CONS base acquisition flight, was named the USAFE Contracting Company Grade Officer of the Year.

"Lieutenant Finkenstadt's selection as USAFE's Contracting CGO of the Year is huge for such a young officer," said Major Ping. "His performance over the past year clearly demonstrated he is worthy of such a high honor."

The lieutenant, an eight-year veteran, filled in as the flight deputy chief during the more than six months Captain Sharkey was deployed as well as stepping up into the chief position for two months during that time period. During the two months he spent as the flight chief, he oversaw 106 contracts valued at more than $10 million.

The Walhalla, S.C., native also lead the contracting team during the end of year closeout, handling 120 purchase requests valued at $5 million in support of base units. During this timeframe, the team had a 300 percent increase in its workload from normal operations.

Lieutenant Finkenstadt was also noted for his work with the 31st Communications Squadron to create USAFE's first basic ordering agreement for cell phone services for base users. The new contract cut processing time from two months to two days.

Outside of his contract oversight, the lieutenant also took the lead in the 31st CONS awards program. During this time, two of the unit's Airmen garnered top honors in the 31st Fighter Wing competition and three Airmen in the 31st Mission Support Group competition.

"This award would not have been possible without good leadership and hard working team members," said Lieutenant Finkenstadt.

Sergeant Thomas, a 15-year veteran, was awarded the USAFE Secretary of the Air Force Professionalism in Contracting Award in the non-supervisory category.

As the 31st CONS contingency readiness section chief, Sergeant Thomas was faced with projects outside that of a typical contracting officer.

"Sergeant Thomas has been a workhorse for our squadron," said Major Ping. "This multi-talented NCO has worn several hats throughout the year and excelled in every role ... a true mark of a professional."

As the contingency contracting officer for the 31st Fighter Wing's weapons training deployment to Bulgaria, Sergeant Thomas' advance coordination with the Bulgarian Defense attaché office for the beddown and sustainment of 240 Aviano Airmen and 12 F-16s, reduced the amount of time onsite contracting oversight was needed by three weeks.

The Colorado Springs, Colo., native was also the acquisition leader in a U.S. Presidential visit to Tanzania. For his coordination in securing lodging, transportation and additional supplies and services, he was awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal.

The NCO was also noted as being one of two USAFE representatives to the Air Force Logistics Management Agency to help author a joint contracting manual revision that ensured Department of Defense-wide acquisition conformity.

"Captain Sharkey, Lieutenant Finkenstadt, Sergeant Thomas and Sergeant Valentine's dedication, professionalism and expertise are hallmarks of their service to our nation," said Major Ping. These four remarkable individuals are representative of the quality of personnel assigned to the 31st CONS, who enable our nation to fly, fight and win against any adversary."