BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – An Airman from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing legal office recently won the title of Air Force Paralegal of the year, proving she is the best legal aide in the Air Force.
Master Sgt. Natasha Hoglund, 455th AEW legal office superintendent, demonstrated excellence throughout the year earning her this prestigious award. Hoglund, deployed from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, has performed exceptionally at home and in the Area of Responsibility.
A paralegal’s mission is to provide legal counsel to commanders, first sergeants and other personnel on a broad spectrum of legal matters, and play an important role by assisting attorneys in achieving that mission. Hoglund has gone above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to the Airmen under her as well as in her community.
Earlier in the year, she outshined 58 peers by winning the distinguished graduate honor as well as the academic achievement award after attending the non-commissioned officer academy. Also, as a short notice change of assignment she filled a master sergeant position and helped rebuild her office from scratch, guiding 18 Airmen through tough times.
At Andersen, Hoglund helped fix a broken unit training program by closing 152 core tasks and devised an annual training plan. She corrected a broken additional duty program and reviewed 77 additional duties, revamping 16 neglected duties that are now performing at or beyond standards.
When it comes to helping out in the Guam community, Hoglund put forth her best effort to provide a helping hand at events with various organizations.
She partnered with the Australian Air Force on a joint humanitarian mission and renovated a Guam school providing vital relief to 425 youth. She has helped orchestrate 5K hikes and base relay races. As a member of the “Souper Troopers” organization, she served dinner to over 40 families in need.
These are just some of the many accomplishments Hoglund has achieved. Her efforts and hard work are recognized by her peers on a daily basis.
"Master Sgt. Hoglund is one of the truly special Airmen who I've been fortunate to cross paths with. She is among the few who stand out above the crowd and brings an entirely new outlook, enthusiasm and talent to whatever they do,” said Maj. Patrick Schwomeyer, 455 AEW staff judge advocate. “During my time working with MSgt Hoglund here in Afghanistan, she continuously impresses with her dedication, analytical reasoning and team skills. I'm thankful to have crossed paths with her and if I’m ever allowed to hand pick a future team; she'd be on the top of my list for any mission. She's truly one of the best and is well deserving of this recognition."
Hoglund continues to work hard and support the Airmen of Bagram and Andersen.
“This really should be a team award; without my team at the 36th Wing Legal Office, this award and the accomplishments within it wouldn’t be possible,” Hoglund said. “I’m so lucky the Air Force continues to let me serve my country every day, and I’m even luckier that I’m able to do it in a job that I love.”