121st Air Refueling Wing defender earns the title of Air National Guard Airmen of the Year

Photo By Ralph Branson | Airmen of the 121st Air Refueling Wing conduct a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) exercise during a three-day field training event at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, August 4, 2023. The CBRN training ensured our Airmen could survive and operate in contested environments. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Ralph Branson)  

COLUMBUS, OHIO, UNITED STATES

05.10.2024

Story by Senior Airman Ivy Thomas 

121st Air Refueling Wing

RICKENBACKER AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ohio - The Whole Airman Concept is a term used to describe how an Airman performs in certain areas, such as leadership and job performance, significant self-improvement, and base or community involvement. Though many great Airmen perform in these categories at the 121st Air Refueling Wing, one Airman stood out among the rest. He implements the Air Force Core Values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do daily, bettering himself and enhancing the success of his unit and the Air Force mission. The dedication, determination, and discipline of Senior Airman Gavin Woken, a defender at the 121 ARW, both in and out of uniform, led him to be named the 2023 Air National Guard Airman of the Year. 

"I knew I always wanted to wear the uniform," said Woken. "It was just a matter of, can I do it? I've been in for four years, I've traveled to many different countries, it was a leap that I took, and it, by far, was the best decision I've ever made." 

Woken joined the Air National Guard on August 26, 2020, and has displayed his continuous commitment ever since. 

 "I actually lost 60 pounds to join the military; there's not a day I miss in the gym; it's an opportunity to better myself in that aspect, not just for myself but for my team," said Woken. 

He received a 94.2% on his last physical fitness assessment and is currently committing his off-duty time to training four individuals. As a result, they have lost a collective 45 lbs and mitigated various health problems in the past six months.

Along with committing his off-duty time to his peers, Woken has dedicated time beyond the requirements of a traditional guardsman and excelled in multiple roles. 

Woken volunteered to backfill security flight operations and provided 320 man hours to safeguard 3,000 personnel and $4 million of DoD assets; because of this, he earned 2023 Security Forces ANG Reserve Component Airman of the Year. 

"He holds himself to a higher standard and emphasizes military bearing and structure," said Master Sgt. Sean White, Operations Non-Commisioned Officer in Charge, 121 ARW Security Forces Squadron. "He is a role model, especially at the Senior Airman rank; he performs above that standard."

Woken also volunteered to attend Deployed for Training at Vogelweh AB, Germany, to conduct day-to-day law enforcement functions for a 1.1 square km area of responsibility. Woken conducted speed enforcement and other traffic enforcement functions, issuing multiple citations and responding to off-base vehicle collisions. His swift and professional actions ensured the unhindered safety and mission of more than 66,000 Kaiserslautern military community personnel.

Due to Woken's strong will to lead his peers, he was assigned the role of lead squad leader. 

As lead squad leader, Woken led three Airmen through training for their flight duty positions. He developed a unique training plan tailored for each individual, enhancing the learning experience in critical subjects and eliminating 24+ hours of training. His expertise and dedication to leading his fellow Airmen resulted in successfully certifying two entry controllers and one internal/external security response team leader.

Woken also participated in a State Partnership Program exercise, Exercise Platinum Wolf 2023, in Serbia, where he distinguished himself as a top performer for the Ohio Air National Guard's first Multi-Capable Airmen training event. The training staff recognized him for his superior motivation and for enhancing the quality of life of more than 60 Airmen in an austere training environment. 

While the abovementioned accomplishments are impressive, they do not cover all of Woken's outstanding achievements. 

"The Air Force core values have been a key part of everything I've done," said Woken. 

Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do show through Woken's actions. 

In addition to being a defender and staying consistent in the gym, Woken is using his Ohio National Guard Scholarship, which pays 100% of tuition, to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in marketing at the University of Cincinnati through the Linder College of Business while simultaneously minoring in Real Estate, Stock Trading, and Entrepreneurship. He is a Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity member, maintains a GPA to keep him on the dean's list, and is on track to graduate in Fall 2025. 

"If you want to be a full-time college student and lock down on your degree, it is completely achievable. I have not paid anything out of my pocket for college," said Woken. 

With his free time left, Woken volunteers with the Genoa Church Youth Group. He has selflessly volunteered for five mission trips throughout Kentucky, West Virginia, and Arizona. Due to his generosity, he has assisted this group in building homes and passing out food, water, and other essential items to families in need.

According to White, Woken has gone above and beyond what is expected of him. His efforts towards the 121st Air Refueling Wing, his peers, and his community have had significant, positive impacts. He drives to better himself and continue to learn and help the people around him. He is the epitome of the Whole Airman Concept. 

"Every day is an opportunity for you to get better. What will you do in that time to make yourself better?" said Woken. "There's always a level you can reach. Are you willing to work for it?"

Woken's time, effort, and selflessness have earned him recognition as the 2023 Air National Guard Airman of the Year. 

"You have to be humble, hard-working, and want more for yourself and your team," said Woken. "Just because you take off this uniform does not mean you are not an Airman. You're held to the same standards no matter what you wear, where you are, or what you do."

"Airman of the Year is an Airman who has done a lot for the unit and himself; it's an honor that not a lot of people get to have, which is why I am so appreciative of it," said Woken. "It's someone who sacrifices a lot of their time and efforts from civilian life."

• Date Taken: 05.10.2024
• Date Posted: 05.14.2024 08:29
• Story ID: 470965
• Location: COLUMBUS, OHIO, US