Ohio Air National Guard honors outstanding Airmen of Year

Story by Senior Airman Christi Richter, 121st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

COLUMBUS, Ohio (01/24/20)

Airmen from all over Ohio gathered Jan. 11 for the Outstanding Airman of the Year awards ceremony. The annual awards are used to recognize members who go above and beyond demonstrating leadership, strong work ethic and commitment to giving back to their communities.

The awards are divided into six categories; Company Grade Officer, Honor Guard Member, First Sergeant, Senior Noncommissioned Officer, Noncommissioned Officer and Airman. Each Airman is nominated by their wing and then judged against their peers in the state of Ohio. The winners in each category are:

• Company Grade Officer
  Capt. Adam G. Hermanns
  178th Wing, Springfield
  
• Honor Guard
  Staff Sgt. Stephanie Briones
  121st Air Refueling Wing, Columbus
  
• First Sergeant
  Master Sgt. Shawn F. Murray
  178th Wing, Springfield
  
• Senior Noncommissioned Officer
  Senior Master Sgt. Bryan E. Mech
  178th Wing, Springfield
  
• Noncommissioned Officer
  Staff Sgt. Kaleb E. Evans
  178th Wing, Springfield
  
• Airman
  Senior Airman Michael A. Griffin
  178th Wing, Springfield

The winners from each category move on to compete at the national level against members from all other states, territories and the District of Columbia to vie for the title of Air National Guard Outstanding Airman of the Year.