Courtesy Photo | Outstanding Non-commissioned Officer of the Year Tech. Sgt. Larry Torres.... read more read more
MOORHEAD, Minn. — The North Dakota Air National Guard honored the best of the best of the enlisted force during its 21st annual Outstanding Airmen of the Year banquet Saturday at the Courtyard by Marriott in Moorhead, Minn. Twelve nominees were featured, with four in each category of Outstanding Airman of the Year, Outstanding Non-commissioned Officer of the Year and Outstanding Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the year.
Chief Master Sgt. Christopher E. Muncy, who serves as the tenth Command Chief Master Sergeant to the Director of the Air National Guard at the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., was the guest speaker. Through his humor and insight, he congratulated the nominees and talked about his experiences in the military and how vitally important the Air National Guard is to the defense of the nation.
“Never forget those names,” he said when referring to the victims of the Sept 11, 2001, attacks. “And never forget why we do what we do every day in uniform,” he added.
Following food and live music by the 188th Army Band, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, introduced the nominees, highlighting their accomplishments.
“Tonight we recognize Airmen who have made great contributions; these airmen are the future of this organization. I know that each of you, as Happy Hooligans, truly believe in the Airman’s Creed and you will not fail, you will not falter,” he said.
The 2010 Outstanding Airmen of the Year winners:
Staff Sgt. Samantha Mattheis, a native of Georgetown, Minn., was named Outstanding Airman of the Year for 2010.
“Staff Sgt. Mattheis serves as an engineering assistant for the Civil Engineer Squadron, which is a stark contrast to her civilian training. She’s a nursing major at NDSU and volunteers for numerous health-related charities through the Student Nurses’ Association at school,” Sprynczynatyk said.
Tech. Sgt. Larry Torres, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, was named Outstanding Non-commissioned Officer of the Year for 2010.
“Tech. Sgt. Torres has only been with the Happy Hooligans for two years, but brought 14 years of active-duty experience when he arrived at the 219th Security Forces Squadron. He has deployed to 35 countries during his military career,” Sprynczynatyk said.
Master Sgt. Steven Gibson, a native of New Bern, N.C., was named Outstanding Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year for 2010.
“Master Sgt. Gibson started his 18-year-long military career in the Air Force before joining the Hooligans in 1997. When he’s not working as a Security Forces flight sergeant in Fargo, he volunteers his time as a Red Cross first aid and CPR instructor,” Sprynczynatyk said.
In addition to the Outstanding Airmen of the Year winners, Tech. Sgt. Jimi Fogle, Fargo, N.D., was named 119th Wing Unit Career Advisor of the Year, and Master Sgt. Steven Laflamme, Moorhead, Minn., was named First Sergeant of the Year.
“I am humbled and proud of all that you do, not only in your every day job but also in our communities,” said Col. Rick Gibney, 119th Wing commander, during his closing comments at the banquet. “We honor you. All of our nominees tonight are winners. To stand out in such an outstanding organization full of talent and dedication is an exceptional achievement.”
| Date Taken: | 04.04.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2011 10:13 |
| Story ID: | 68232 |
| Location: | MOORHEAD, MN, US |
| Web Views: | 98 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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