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On Friday, May 9, 2025, we honored our EMTs, paramedics, and entire medical team during our annual Medics of the Year Celebration.
Our Medics of the Year
Joannie Sanchez
Medic of the Year
Joannie has been a valued member of Acadian’s Air Med team for two years, serving as a flight nurse on Air Med 1 in Lafayette. Originally from LaPlace, she resides in Duson with her rescue dog, Xanadu. After earning her EMT certification in 2018, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Emergency Room tech while completing her Bachelor of Science in nursing at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Joannie gained experience in the ER, trauma care, and ICU before joining Air Med. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nursing, at the University of South Alabama.
Since joining Air Med, Joannie has shown exceptional dedication through mentoring new nurses, and actively participating in the clinical development team and safety committee. Her colleagues admire her commitment, often going above and beyond to support her team. Joannie’s goal is to continue her education and provide the best care for her patients.
Allison Cagle
EMT of the Year
Alison began her journey in EMS while still in high school, where she took EMR classes. She obtained her EMT certification in early 2021 and worked in Sacramento, California, for two years before moving across the country to join the Acadian family. Alison is currently in paramedic school and works out of Lafayette. She has a passion for EMS and for educating kids on the importance of EMS, and hopes to have even a small impact on the youth in her area.
Alison specializes in protection training for dogs, and her paramedic partner stated that her training with dogs has come in handy on many calls where dogs are present.
Alison takes immense pride in her work and consistently brings a smile and a positive attitude to everything she does. Her unmatched dedication and strong work ethic have earned her the respect of both her peers and superiors. Her dedication to EMS, consistent hard work, and commitment to quality patient care led to her recognition as EMT of the Year.
Col. Nicole Malachowski
Keynote Speaker
Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.) is a leader, a combat veteran, the first woman pilot on the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron, a White House Fellow, and an inductee into both the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame.
Nicole’s distinguished 21-year Air Force career exceeded her wildest dreams, but the dream came to an end when a devastating tick-borne illness left her struggling greatly to speak or walk for almost nine months. An indomitable spirit, Nicole fought back against overwhelming odds and prevailed.
Nicole brings her experience to the stage with an easygoing authenticity of someone who’s achieved greatness. She’s been a member and leader of exceptional teams. She has faced overwhelming challenges and adversity and has come out on top.
