Air National Guard recognizes top Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mike R. Smith
  • National Guard Bureau
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFPN) --  The Air National Guard's top six enlisted Airmen of the year were recognized for their achievements when the Air Guard's command chief master sergeant hosted Airmen of the Year Week here Aug. 4 to 11. 

The Airmen are: 

-- Airman of the Year: Staff Sgt. Jesse Permenter, 116th Air Support Operations Squadron, Wash.

-- Noncommissioned Officer: Tech. Sgt. Michael Keller, 179th Airlift Wing, Ohio 

-- Senior NCO: Senior Master Sgt. Lawrence Taylor, 270th Air Traffic Control Squadron, Ore. 

-- First Sergeant: Senior Master Sgt. Dorothy Pearson, 116th Air Control Wing, Ga.

-- Honor Guard Program Manager: Tech. Sgt. Wendy Haight, 123rd Airlift Wing, Ky.

-- Honor Guard Member: Tech. Sgt. Celia Herrera, 107th Air Control Squadron, Ariz.
 
"I think these Airmen will reflect back on their week here and realize the importance of what this award means and that it's a representation of our entire enlisted force," said Command Chief Master Sgt. Richard Smith, the Air Guard's highest ranking enlisted member and host for the annual event. "We have a great Air Guard enlisted force, all 93,000 plus." 

The Airmen traveled to Oklahoma City to attend the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States' annual conference. 

"This is one of the best groups we've ever had," said Chief Smith. "No matter what your job is, if you do your best, you will be recognized. The most important job you have is the one you have now, so do your best today, and you will progress. I'm living proof of that." 

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