CHEYENNE, Wyo. — What began as a step into the unknown has led Senior Airman Kaylee Hess to national recognition.
Hess, an aeromedical evacuation technician with the 187th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, was named the 2025 Outstanding Aeromedical Evacuation Crew Member of the Year, an honor recognizing top performers across the Air National Guard’s aeromedical evacuation community.
When Hess first entered the career field, she said she did not know exactly what to expect.
“I was interested in something that would challenge me,” Hess said. “I had never considered medical as a career path, much less medicine in the air.”
The annual award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill, dedication and professionalism in support of the mission.
“These Airmen represent the very best of our AE community,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jacqueline Carlson, senior enlisted leader of the 187th AES. “Their performance reflects exceptional skill, dedication and the culture of excellence fostered within our wings.”
Selected from a competitive pool of nominees across Air National Guard aeromedical evacuation units, Hess’s recognition reflects sustained excellence among Airmen already identified as top performers at the unit level.
“Being named the overall winner reflects sustained excellence among a highly capable and experienced pool of AE professionals,” Carlson said.
Hess said she was caught off guard by the recognition.
“My initial feeling was shock,” she said. “I was very humbled to be recognized in this capacity. I work with very bright-minded, mission-oriented people who are passionate about the job.”
That humility is part of what sets her apart, according to her leadership.
“What is especially exceptional about SrA Hess’s win is that she is a brand new senior airman who operates at a level far beyond her rank,” Carlson said. “As a junior airman, her expertise is already at a level where she is mentoring others.”
As an aeromedical evacuation technician, Hess helps ensure patients are transported safely during flight, often in high-tempo, high-pressure environments.
“A typical day for us starts early,” Hess said. “We start with checking that all of our equipment is mission ready, then meet together as a team to brief the mission and go over our individual roles.”
Once patients arrive, she said, the focus shifts to execution, with an emphasis on maintaining a safe and efficient flight.
That ability to perform under pressure has made a strong impression on her team.
“She demonstrates a strong ability to perform under pressure while maintaining high standards in any environment,” Carlson said. “She consistently does the small things right.”
In one instance, Hess’s knowledge and initiative stood out to leadership.
“The commander witnessed SrA Hess’s impressive knowledge of emergency equipment firsthand as she coached a flight nurse studying for an emergency procedure evaluation,” Carlson said. “Professionals like SrA Hess are a tremendous asset to the unit, raising the bar for everyone.”
For Hess, the mission is about more than procedures and proficiency.
“The most meaningful part of this job is knowing that our patients could be going through some of the toughest days of their lives,” she said. “And knowing we can be the source of providing them care, comfort and friendship in their trying times.”
That mindset is grounded in teamwork.
“There is a lot of trust and communication that needs to happen,” Hess said. “The people I work with have taught me adaptability above all else.”
Her leadership said that approach strengthens the entire unit.
“Her influence shows up in how the crew and squadron operate — more connected, more disciplined and better prepared,” Carlson said.
Hess’s achievement also reflects the broader culture within the 187th AES.
“Earning a national-level award like this doesn’t happen in isolation,” Carlson said. “It reflects how this unit trains, operates and takes care of its people every day.”
For Hess, that environment is what makes the mission worth it.
“This career is both challenging and rewarding,” she said. “The people in this career field are some of the best. They are willing to work as a team, and that makes this mission worth it.”