Photo By Master Sgt. Regina Young | U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrea Reyes, center, an instructor with the Chief Master...... read more read more
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MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn.--Tech. Sgt. Andrea J. Reyes, an instructor supervisor at the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center’s Chief Master Sgt. Paul H. Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center, was selected as the 2025 GEICO Military Service Award recipient for the National Guard.
Reyes was selected from nominees representing the Army National Guard and Air National Guard across the country for her contributions to Airmen, her unit, and her community. This annual award recognizes enlisted members from each of the six military services, as well as one member of the National Guard whose achievements extend beyond military service into the communities they serve.
For Reyes, the recognition represents more than an award. It reflects her belief that service continues after the uniform comes off, and she keeps the people she serves at the heart of everything she does.
“The true meaning of this award is Service Before Self,” said Reyes. “I have found that value to be most evident in the greatest part of my job — my students.”
As an EPME instructor, Reyes brings together Airmen from different backgrounds, developing them to lead in their units and communities. Her students are also where she finds the greatest meaning in her work.
“Having the opportunity to help them grow into confident leaders, mentor through challenges, and celebrate their successes has been the most rewarding experience of my career,” said Reyes.
That commitment to students extended beyond Lankford. When the Binnicker EPME Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, faced an instructor shortage, Reyes stepped in to help. She delivered 511 hours of instruction and mentorship to more than 100 Airmen from three major commands, helping the center serve a record 60 students. She also taught international students, an experience that reinforced for her that leadership and service transcend borders.
At Lankford, Reyes continued investing in the instructors responsible for developing the force. She certified two new instructors, increasing the instructor-qualified staff by 33 percent, trained 14 cadre members on curriculum updates, and supported six graduations. She also earned Instructor Certification Level 1 after completing 1,000 curriculum hours.
“Technical Sgt. Reyes embodies the very best of our core values, both in uniform and in the community,” said Senior Master Sgt. Nichole Kutsor, deputy commandant, Lankford EPME Center. “Her dedication to serving others and advocating for Airmen and students sets a gold standard for leadership, and it is an honor to see her commitment recognized with this award.”
Her commitment to Airmen also led her to launch the first Airman’s Attic at McGhee Tyson ANGB, providing essential uniform items to students and staff. She coordinated VA home loan briefings for 90 students while continuing her own education, completing a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and pursuing a second degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Reyes’ definition of service extends beyond the education center. As Morale Committee president, she dedicated 118 hours to bringing Airmen, students, and families together through cultural and recreational events. She secured $50,000 in morale funding and helped coordinate two military family events, a Day of the Dead celebration, and four tournaments that reached more than 400 members of the organization.
Her service also reached the East Tennessee community. Reyes supported bilingual outreach and Hispanic Heritage events through Centro Hispano and volunteered at the Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival, Blount County Animal Shelter, and a local elementary school.
For Reyes, volunteerism has provided more than an opportunity to give back. It has helped her build connections in her new community and reinforced the sense of purpose she finds in serving others.
“Service does not end when we take the uniform off at the end of the duty day,” said Reyes. “Volunteering has allowed me to connect with my community and given me a sense of pride and fulfillment in knowing I can serve my country and my community.”
“Choosing Technical Sgt. Reyes was easy. If there’s an opportunity to make a difference, she finds a way to do it,” said Master Sgt. Kristen Young, superintendent of operations, Noncommissioned Officers Academy, Lankford EPME Center. “What sets her apart is her consistency in serving others — she invests in people, and her passion for service is genuine and reflected in everything she does.”
For Reyes, the award recognizes a philosophy she has carried into her classroom, her unit, and her community. Her experiences as an instructor have shown her that service is not confined to duty stations or uniforms but is about the difference one person can make in the lives of others.
“I’m deeply grateful for this recognition,” Reyes said. “For me, service is about knowing I can make a difference in the lives of others, whether I’m serving my country in uniform or serving my community outside of it.”
The I.G. Brown Training and Education Center includes three divisions: the Chief Master Sgt. Paul H. Lankford EPME Center, the TEC-University Video Production and Learning Development Division, and the Mission Support Division. Together, they represent all components of the Regular Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, and civil service members—working side by side to develop today’s Airmen for tomorrow’s fight.
| Date Taken: | 08.17.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.17.2026 11:57 |
| Story ID: | 572553 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Service Before Self: Developing Airmen, strengthening communities, by MSgt Regina Young, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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