U.S. Air Force Maj. Denise Caspers, 62d Aerial Port Squadron commander, left, Master Sgt. Brandon Hughes, 62d APS First Sergeant and 2025 62d AW First Sergeant of the Year, center, and Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Cannon, 62d APS senior enlisted leader, right, pose for a photo at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, March 26, 2026. Hughes is from Alabama, and advises the 62d APS commander on all matters of readiness, morale, and welfare within the unit, and acts as a voice for Airmen across Team McChord on the same subject matter.
“This award is truly humbling and means everything to me,” said Hughes. “I’m constantly surrounded by incredible peers that push me to be better, and my Triad pushes me to be the best version of myself. This award is the product of their efforts as much as mine. I love being a First Sergeant because our Airmen need someone who is going to be there for them 24/7, and weather life’s storms with them. I want to be their cheerleader in their greatest moments, and their shoulder and support system for the harder moments. My “why?” is our Airmen.
I’d like to thank my wife and daughter for letting this dream job be a reality, without them it would not be possible; my incredible Triad, Maj Caspers and CMSgt Cannon, for being incredible leaders and trusting in me everyday to execute their vision; the Team McChord First Sergeant Council for believing in me and being my family since I put this Diamond on in 2024, without them this job would be much harder; finally my Dad, who was a prior First Sergeant and is always willing to provide some advice and guidance on where I’m at.” (Courtesy Photo)
| Date Taken: | 03.26.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2026 18:42 |
| Photo ID: | 9595053 |
| VIRIN: | 260326-O-F3210-1001 |
| Resolution: | 4032x3024 |
| Size: | 3.09 MB |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 4 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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