Happy Hooligans Name Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Photo By David Lipp | Maj. Gen. David Srynczynatyk, the North Dakota adjutant general, right, presents the North Dakota Air National Guard Unit Career Advisor of the Year award to Tech. Sgt. Haley Mitchell, of the 119th Medical Group at the annual North Dakota Air National Guard outstanding Airman of the year banquet being held at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Moorhead, Minn., March 1, 2014. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp/Released)  

FARGO, ND, UNITED STATES

03.03.2014

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

FARGO, N.D. - The North Dakota Air National Guard, known as the "Happy Hooligans," recognized the "best of the best" during the 2013 Outstanding Airmen of the Year banquet on Saturday. Fifteen airmen were nominated for the award based on their military and civic service during 2013, with only three winners walking away with the titles of Outstanding Airman of the Year, Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

The North Dakota National Guard's 188th Army Band provided entertainment, which was then preceded with the introduction of distinguished guests and dinner. Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, praised the accomplishments of all the airmen who were nominated.

"This event has been going on for well over twenty years, and I've had the personal privilege and honor of being here the last eight years," Sprynczynatyk said. "Every year, I just marvel at the descriptions and accomplishments and achievements of the young Air men and women that we're recognizing tonight."

"Congratulations to the nominees for the Outstanding Airmen of the Year," Sprynczynatyk said. "You have done a great job for us - not only as you serve on duty, but in our communities as well. And to all of the men and women of the 119th Wing, you too are truly America's best."

Sprynczynatyk also presented awards to Master Sgt. Josh Clarke and the Clarke family, Tech Sgt. Haley Mitchell, and Master Sgt. Larry Torres. Clarke was awarded the Bronze Star for his efforts and dedication to service while serving at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, with the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Security Forces Squadron. His family was recognized as the North Dakota Air National Guard Family of the Year. Mitchell was named Unit Career Advisor of the Year, which recognizes outstanding individual effort and achievement in unit retention and Career Motivation Program management. Torress was named 1st Sergeant of the Year, which recognizes the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by top 1st Sergeants in the Air Force.

Maj. Gen. Alexander Macdonald, retired, was also awarded the "Extra Mile" award for his volunteer efforts.

The award presentation followed, during which time three airmen were honored. Staff Sgt. Shelly Pherson, of Fargo, N.D., was named Outstanding Airman of the Year. Staff Sgt. Andrew Frovarp, of Moorhead, Minn., was named Noncommissioned Officer of the year and Master Sgt. Toby Eiter, was named Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the year.

Staff Sgt. Shelly Pherson

Pherson was born and raised in Rutland, N.D. She graduated from Sargent Central High School in Forman, N.D., prior to moving to Fargo, N.D.

Currently, Pherson is attending North Dakota State University, where she is pursuing a double major in crop and weed science and agricultural education. After graduation she hopes to teach agriculture in a rural school and practice as an agronomist in the summer months.

Pherson joined the North Dakota Air National Guard in April 2009. She serves as an Air Transportation Journeyman.

In addition, Pherson is an improvisation artist with Linebenders Improv Comedy, where she performs in local and national comedy shows. She is also a gymnastics coach at American Gold.

Staff Sgt. Andrew Frovarp

Frovarp was born in Edina, Minn. and raised in Moorhead, Minn. He currently lives in Moorhead with his wife, Staff Sgt. Kristen Frovarp, who is also a member of the North Dakota Air National Guard.

Frovarp joined the North Dakota Air National Guard in June 2007, serving in the Security Forces Squadron.

Frovarp took criminal justice classes at North Dakota State University, and he is currently finishing his last semester of the Police Academy in Alexandria, Minn.

In addition, Frovarp works as a Corrections Officer for the Clay County Sheriff's Office, and he volunteers with a dog rescue organization called, 4 Luv of Dogs, located in Moorhead.

Master Sgt. Toby Eiter

Eiter was born in Breckenridge, Minn. and raised in West Fargo, N.D. He currently lives in Lake Park, Minn. with his wife Kristina. They have three children, Jordan (17), Tripp (6), and Tydan (3).

Eiter served in the active-duty Air Force for 15 years and held a variety of positions, including: Security Forces Flight Chief, Anti-Terrorism Instructor, Intelligence Analyst and Emergency Medical Technician.

Eiter joined the North Dakota Air National Guard in May 2008 as a C-21 Intelligence Analyst, prior to his current position in the Intelligence Squadron.

Eiter works full-time at Windsor Sales, specializing in hospitality lighting sales, and he volunteers as a Cub Scout Den Leader, an elementary basketball coach. He is also a member of the North Dakota Air National Guard Enlisted Association.

"Congratulations to all fifteen airmen who were selected by their peers to represent the best of the best of our enlisted force," said Col. Kent Olson, 119th Wing commander. "All are to be recognized as superb leaders to guide us, as well as great mentors to inspire us."

• Date Taken: 03.03.2014
• Date Posted: 03.03.2014 19:11
• Story ID: 121451
• Location: FARGO, ND, US
• Hometown: BRECKENRIDGE, MN, US
• Hometown: EDINA, MN, US
• Hometown: MOORHEAD, MN, US
• Hometown: RUTLAND, ND, US
• Hometown: WEST FARGO, ND, US