Traditional reservist named first sergeant of the year Published July 9, 2008 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Air Force officials have selected Master Sgt. Jeffrey Gray as the winner of the 2008 First Sergeant of the Year award. Sergeant Gray, a traditional reservist, serves as first sergeant for the 328th Airlift Squadron, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y. Sergeant Gray managed and cared for more than 1,000 Airmen from 20 remote locations while deployed to Afghanistan. His leadership ability and work ethic ensured the completion of an Air Force mission charged with the provincial reconstruction, security, and training of local Afghan national army personnel supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Air Force officials established the First Sergeant of the Year Award in 1985 to recognize the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by Airmen in the First Sergeant special duty career field. Nominees are considered in the areas of leadership and job performance in their primary duty, significant self-improvement, and base or community involvement. The Air Force Sergeants Association will present the award to Sergeant Gray during its annual convention honors banquet this August in San Antonio. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page