Photo By David Lipp | Tech. Sgt. Wendi Gunderson, left, accepts the North Dakota Air National Guard Unit...... read more read more
FARGO, N.D. — The North Dakota Air National Guard, known as the “Happy Hooligans,” recognized the organization’s top noncommissioned officers and unit members of the year, March 7, during its 2014 Outstanding Airmen of the Year banquet, which was held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Fifteen airmen were nominated for the award based on their military and civic service throughout 2014, with 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 Army National Guard’s 188th Army Band provided entertainment during the banquet, and a number of distinguished guests, including Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, and senior North Dakota Air Guard leaders rendered remarks.
“To be recognized as ‘best of the best’ among your peers in one of the most outstanding military units in the nation is a great accomplishment,” said Sprynczynatyk. “I salute each nominee for your extraordinary achievements, in and out of uniform."
After his remarks, Sprynczynatyk and Air Guard senior leaders presented awards to Tech. Sgt. Wendi Gunderson and Master Sgt. Christopher Walberg. Gunderson was named the Career Advisor of the Year for her individual efforts and achievement with unit retention and career motivation program management. Walberg was named First Sergeant of the Year, which recognizes the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by first sergeants in the Air Force.
The official award presentation followed, honoring the three Outstanding Airmen of the Year winners: Senior Airman Luke Knutson was named Outstanding Airman of the Year, Staff Sgt. Kellynn Fosse was named Noncommissioned Officer of the year and Master Sgt. Luke Gardiner was named Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the year:
Senior Airman Luke Knutson
Knutson is an electrical power production journeyman with the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron in Fargo. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School and later attended Alexandria Tech, both in Minnesota, where he received an associate’s degree in computer programming. Knutson also has an associate’s degree in mechanical and electrical technology from the Community College of the Air Force. He was born and raised in Fergus Falls and currently lives there with his wife, Karen, and their infant son, Henry. Outside of the military, Knutson works as an electrical technician at Knutson Electric.
Staff Sgt. Kellynn Fosse
Fosse is a full-time member of the 119th Security Forces Squadron in Fargo. She was born in Fargo and raised in Horace, North Dakota. Fosse graduated from West Fargo High School and later attended Lake Region College in Devils Lake, North Dakota, as well as Bismarck State College. Fosse currently lives in Horace with her son, Colten.
Master Sgt. Luke Gardiner
Gardiner is a squad leader with the 219th Security Forces Squadron in Minot, North Dakota. He was born and raised in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he graduated from Bismarck High School. He later then attended Bismarck State College where he obtained an associate’s degree in criminal justice. He also earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Mary in organizational leadership. Gardiner lives in Bismarck with his wife, Amanda. Outside of the military, Gardiner is a patrol sergeant for the Bismarck Police Department.
| Date Taken: | 03.07.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.09.2015 15:16 |
| Story ID: | 156453 |
| Location: | FARGO, ND, US |
| Hometown: | BISMARCK, ND, US |
| Hometown: | FERGUS FALLS, MN, US |
| Hometown: | HORACE, ND, US |
| Web Views: | 99 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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