Deployed Airman wins design contest Published Jan. 29, 2010 By Maj. Belinda Petersen Air Force Services Agency Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Air Force Services Agency officials announced the winner of the MyAirForceLife.com T-shirt contest recently here. Staff Sgt. Nathan Cruz, a radio frequency transmission technician, who is deployed from Robins Air Force Base, Ga., won the contest out of 174 submissions in the adult category. His design received 1,178 votes. As the winner, Sergeant Cruz will receive a MacBook 2.26 GHz laptop with iWorks09 pre-installed as well as the Adobe CS4 graphics premium software. His prizes are valued at $2,000. Also, Army and Air Force Exchange Service will produce his design and offer the T-shirts for sale. "AAFES is excited about the 'High Speed Life' T-shirt designed by Sergeant Cruz. We plan to make the T-shirt available not only at Robins AFB, but throughout the southeast United States," said James McConnell, AAFES softlines buyer. The award was presented to Sergeant Cruz at his undisclosed deployed unit. "He was taken completely by surprise since he thought it was an award presentation for someone else," said Lt. Col. Alexander Smith, deployed squadron commander. "We had two other individuals standing at the front of the packed conference room, and we even brought all of the flags that would normally be present for a medal presentation," Colonel Smith said in an e-mail. As the ceremony started, Colonel Smith asked the individuals to sit down so he could make a public service announcement. During his announcement, he talked about MyAirForceLife.com and how it was a way to stay connected. Colonel Smith asked if anyone in the audience had heard of this site. That's when Sergeant Cruz raised his hand. Colonel Smith called Sergeant Cruz up to talk about it. Unbeknownst to Sergeant Cruz, his T-shirt design popped up on the large screen behind him as he began to address the audience. He talked about the T-shirt contest he had entered and about his design. Someone in the audience pointed to the screen and when Sergeant Cruz looked, he was surprised, but he turned to the audience and continued to talk. Next, the screen changed to a picture of the MacBook prize when Sergeant Cruz turned toward the screen again. "That's someone's Mac," Sergeant Cruz said. "That's your Mac," said Colonel Smith. That's when Sergeant Cruz realized he had won the T-shirt contest. "I couldn't believe that I won, especially because I entered late into the contest," Sergeant Cruz said. "Overall I was shocked and extremely happy and proud of myself. Thanks to all who voted." Last year, Air Force Services Agency officials launched MyAirForceLife.com, an interactive site to help Airmen stay connected, informed and engaged in programs as part of the Year of the Air Force Family. "The theme of our campaign is 'The Air Force is a great place to live, work and play,'" said Mr. Mike Bensen, deputy to the commander of Air Force Services Agency. "Our focus is to make it even better for our Air Force family. The Web site highlights the core 'Year of the Air Force Family' programs and activities." "The site features programs and competitions that will roll out through the year. We are focusing on the 'play' part of 'The Air Force is a great place to live, work, and play' campaign," said Ms. Debbie Karnes, Air Force Services Agency spokeswoman. "There's something for everyone: short story, video short, original song, and photography competition. The site also offers a place for visitors to provide quips and quotes on how the Air Force has enriched their lives in the 'Roger That' section. There's even a new, fun InstaPoll to participate in." To find details about the current short story competition and to enter, Airmen and eligible patrons of Air Force MWR programs can log on to http://www.myairforcelife.com. The Air Force's official YOAFF Web site, http://www.af.mil/yoaff, contains news information and programs around the Air Force.