ARLINGTON, Va., - The Air National Guard recently announced the 2010 Outstanding Airmen of the Year, First Sergeant and Honor Guard of the Year awards.
The winners in their respective categories are:
Senior non-commissioned officer - Master Sgt. Jessica R. Maple of the 128th Air Control Squadron, Wisconsin Air National Guard
Non-commissioned officer - Staff Sgt. Kenneth I. Walker, 116th Air Support Operations Squadron, Washington Air National Guard
Airman - Senior Airman Natalie Urquieta, 185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard
First Sergeant - Master Sgt. Heidi A. Bunker, 179th Airlift Wing, Ohio Air National Guard
Honor Guard Program Manager - Master Sgt. Brian L. Mays, 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard.
Honor Guard member - Tech. Sgt. Velia A. Mireles, 149th Fighter Wing, Texas Air National Guard
"The task of selecting these three Airmen, the first sergeant and honor guard members from the outstanding individuals nominated this year was a difficult one," said Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the director of the Air National Guard.
The Air Guardsmen will be honored during a week of activities in Washington, D.C., June 12-18, 2010.
"We at the National Guard Bureau and the Air National Guard Readiness Center wish each of these outstanding Airmen, first sergeant and honor guard members the best of luck as they now compete with their Air Force and Air Force Reserve counterparts for (these awards)," Wyatt said.