San Antonio, Texas - The Air Force Athletes of the Year were awarded a commemorative jacket and plaque at the 2006 Air Force Fitness & Sports Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, 14 November. The Male Athlete of the Year was awarded to Master Sergeant Martin Bedford, who is a member of the Air Force Bowling Team. He won the 2006 Air Force Bowling Championship and went on to lead the Air Force to the 2006 Armed Forces Championship, placing first among the 45 top military bowlers. He also placed fourth out of 151 of all US amateur bowlers at the United States Bowling Congress Trial, where he set a new 8-game block record with his 242 average. In April, MSgt Bedford placed third out of 80 competitors at the United States Amateur Bowling Association's Spring Nationals and was part of Team USA's silver medalist doubles team at the 2006 Tournament of the Americas. He is currently ranked ninth in the American Zone North Region. MSgt Bedford is a Special Purpose Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic assigned to Kunsan Air Base, Korea.

The Female Athlete of the Year was awarded to Captain Linda Jeffery who is a member of the Air Force Golf Team. She won the All-Air Force Women's Golf Championship and went on to lead the Air Force Team to the 2006 Armed Forces Women's Golf Championship, where she beat her nearest opponent by 9 strokes. Captain Jeffery led the US Armed Forces Women's Team to Ireland and the 2006 Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) Championship, where she won the individual title by 12 strokes. She set the CISM Women's golf record for 36 and 54 holes (CISM championship play totaled 54 holes) and led the US Armed Forces Women's Team to a 53-stroke victory over their nearest competitor. Captain Jeffery is a Combat Support Flight Chief Reservist assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.

Congratulations to the 2006 Male and Female Athletes of the Year!