SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- The Utah Air National Guard celebrated its Airmen of the Year during a banquet held in their honor at the Zions Bancorporation’s Midvale Technology Campus on Jan. 6, 2023, in Midvale, Utah.
The Airmen of the Year award program recognizes Airmen who display superior leadership, job performance, and personal achievement.
The ceremony showcased the outstanding performance of the Individuals in the categories of field grade officer, company grade officer, senior non-commissioned officer, non-commissioned officer, airman, civilian, Honor guard, and outstanding team for 2023.
The 2023 Airman of the Year banquet reached an extraordinary culmination with the esteemed presence of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Joanne S. Bass. Her visit was invaluable for all attendees, instilling a profound honor and inspiration. Chief Bass's words resonated deeply as she shared her insights and wisdom, reaffirming the significance of dedication, service, and excellence within the Air Force.
Chief Bass's presence underscored the importance of recognizing outstanding airmen and their contributions, fostering a sense of unity and pride within the Utah Air National Guard community. Chief Bass's participation in the banquet encapsulated the pinnacle of recognition, elevating the event to an unforgettable milestone and leaving an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to witness her presence and hear her remarkable words.
The following received awards in their respective categories:
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer - Master Sgt. Kenneth Church
Non-commissioned Officer - Technical Sgt. Nicholas Perez
Airman of the Year - Airman 1st Class Matthew Hurst
An honor guard member of the year - Master Sgt. Matthew Hardman
Civilian of the Year - Mr. Daniel Carlson
Diamond SHARP award – Lt. Col. Douglas Devore
Chiefs Excellence in Innovation award: Tech. Sgt. Preston Taylor
Inclusive Leader Award: Master Sgt. Nicholas Orozco
Field Grade Officer of the Year - Major Cameron Baker
Company Grade Officer of the Year - Captain Joseph Leeman
First Sergeant of the Year - Master Sgt. Amanda Erdman
Outstanding team: Installation Deployment Readiness Cell
Capt. David Hendrickson, Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Uberti, Senior Master Sgt. Lalani Nielson, Master Sgt. Brittany Edwards, Tech. Sgt. Garrett Moss.
The Utah Air National Guard Airman, NCO, Senior NCO, and First Sergeant winners will compete nationally. He may have a chance to compete at the National Guard and Air Force Level to be one of the Air Force's twelve Outstanding Airman of the Year.