Wyo. Air National Guard members recognized as outstanding

  • Published
  • Wyo. Military Department
CHEYENNE, Wyo. --  Members of the Wyoming Air National Guard were recognized for their outstanding service during 2010, at a formal banquet Saturday night.

"It's always an honor to recognize the outstanding achievements of our Wyoming Airmen," said Col. Dennis Grunstad, 153rd Airlift Wing commander. "These selfless men and women uphold the core values of the Wyoming Air National Guard, always maintaining the ideals of people first and mission always."

The following individuals were recognized for their leadership, military bearing, knowledge of military customs, community service and personal achievements:
  • Senior Airman Elizabeth A. Pope, 153rd Operations Support Flight, Airman of the Year.
  • Staff Sgt. Kale L. Meyer, 30th Airlift Squadron, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
  • Master Sgt. Dana L. Durand, 153rd Medical Group, First Sergeant of the Year.
  • Master Sgt. Kenneth A. Lavin, 30th Airlift Squadron, Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
  • Capt. Eric Green, 153rd Communications Squadron, Company Grade Officer of the Year.
Master Sgt. Lila Howell, 153rd Maintenance Squadron, was chosen as the Flag Team Member of the Year. This award is a symbol of the extreme amount of volunteerism and undying commitment a Flag Team member must possess.

Staff Sgt. Adam J. Coulon, 153rd Security Force Squadron; Staff Sgt. Darryl W. Weaver, 30th Airlift Squadron; Staff Sgt. Iris Honrado, 243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron; Staff Sgt. Emma N. Simental, 153rd Logistics Readiness Squadron; Airman 1st Class Phillip J. Roybal, 243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron; Staff Sgt. Sarah K. Austin, 153rd Communications Flight; Staff Sgt.Kale L. Meyer, 30th Airlift Squadron; Airman 1st Class Cassee J. Cordes, 30th Airlift Squadron; Senior Airman Heidi L. Valdez, 153rd Medical Group and Counterdrug Program; Staff Sgt. Charles Riesselmann, 153rd Airlift Wing; Staff Sgt. Michael A. Saraceno, 153rd Medical Group were named as the Chiefs Council Core Value Award recipients. This award recognizes the junior enlisted members of the Wyoming Air National Guard who best represent the Air Force/Air National Guard Core Values: Integrity first, Service before self, Excellence in all we do, Commitment to Citizen Soldier heritage, and Strength of our diverse family.

Staff Sgt. Sarah Austin was recognized as the Unit Career Advisor of the Year. The Unit Career Advisor plays a key role in promoting the careers and opportunities of our military force, from the youngest Airman to the most seasoned senior noncommissioned officer.

Tech. Sgt. Mark E. Hill was named as the Produciton Recruiter of the Year for the Wyoming Air National Guard. Tina Hill was selected as the Recruiting Spouse of the Year. These awards recognize the recruiters who continue to go above and beyond and whose individual efforts and support have been a contributing factor in this organization's ability to meet its missions.