O'Fallon Airman receives regional Recruiting and Retention Superintendent of the Year Award

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Senior Master Sgt. Curtis Thompson of O’Fallon, Ill., received the Region II Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention Superintendent (RRS) of the Year Award, Jan. 2.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (01/27/2014)(readMedia)-- Senior Master Sgt. Curtis Thompson of O'Fallon, Ill., received the Region II Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention Superintendent (RRS) of the Year Award, Jan. 2. The award recognizes the top RRS from nine states within the region for superior production and program management.

"Senior Master Sergeant Thompson's leadership led Illinois recruiting efforts to end the 2013 fiscal year at 99.1 percent manned and a 99.5 percent retention rate," said Brig. Gen. William Cobetto, Assistant Adjutant General – Air. "His outstanding contribution continues to clearly set him apart from his contemporaries and makes him most deserving of this award."

Curtis enlisted in the Illinois Air National Guard in November 1986 and has been the RRS for the Illinois Air National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Ill., since Aug. 1, 2006.

In his position as the RRS, he advises the state command staff on all recruiting and retention issues, providing periodic updates on initiatives and incentives. Last year the Illinois National Guard enlisted 359 new members, increasing overall end strength, unit effectiveness and operational readiness.

Curtis will now compete at the National Guard bureau level against four other regions.