2011 AOY Banquet

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Michael Matkin
  • 161 ARW Public Affairs
Phoenix Sky Harbor Air National Guard Base --  The Arizona Air National Guard recognized its top three members at the state's Outstanding Airmen of the Year Banquet.

The Arizona Air nation Guard is comprised of the 161st Air Refueling Wing, Phoenix, 214th Reconnaissance Group, Tucson, 107th Air Control Squadron, Phoenix and the 162 Fighter Wing, Tucson.

The award for the Outstanding Airman of the Year, non-commissioned officer of the year and senior non-commissioned officer of the year are based on duty performance, self-improvement related to their primary duty, the impact of their positive leadership and their involvement militarily and within their community.

This year's winners were Senior Airman Amanda Gast, 214 RG, Tech. Sgt. Amanda Lopez, 107 ACS, and Master Sgt. Kris Errett also of the 107 ACS.

The First Sergeant of the Year award is presented to the First Sergeant who made the greatest impact on his/her organization through leadership development and dedication to the men and women that they are entrusted with.

This year's winner was Senior Master Sgt. Judy Dillman, 161 ARW, Phoenix.

The State Command Chief Master Sergeant Award is presented to an enlisted member in the grades of Airman to Tech. Sgt., who best exemplifies the talent, positive leadership and dedication toward mission accomplishment within the state of Arizona. This person's performance has enhanced the Arizona Air National Guard's ability to assume its functional role and the Air National Guard's peacetime and wartime mission requirements.

This year's winner was Staff Sgt. Travis Casey from the 107 ACS.

The Maj. Gen. Donald L. Owens Award is given to a junior officer in the grade of 2nd Lt. to Capt. Who best exemplifies the talent, positive leadership and dedication that has enabled the Arizona Air National Guard to assume a large portion of the Air Force's peacetime and wartime mission requirements.

This year's winner was Capt. Jason Burns, 162 FW.

Speaking to the winners and to all of the Arizona Air National Guard, Brig. General Michael Colangelo, the Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Arizona National Guard said, "I couldn't be any more proud of every single Arizona airman that puts on the uniform and does all the great things that they do. Only a fraction of the great airmen of Arizona are able to come and be a part of this ceremony, but they are all winners and I have nothing but pride for what they do."