Oregon Air National Guard Awards Banquet

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. John Hughel
  • 142FW/PA
Portland, Ore. --  Military and select civilian members of the Oregon Air National Guard gathered to be recognized for outstanding achievement during the past year, at the 18th Annual Oregon Air National Guard Awards Banquet at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Portland, Ore. February 25, 2012.

Award winners came from all over the state representing the 142nd and 173rd Fighter Wings, the 116th Air Control Squadron, 125th Special Tactics Squadron, 123rd Weather Flight, 270th Air Traffic Control Squadron and the Joint Forces Headquarters.

The top State Award winners for 2011 went to Airman 1st Class Craig A. Payne of the 116th Air Control Squadron as Category I Airman of the Year; Tech. Sgt. Stephen Studenny of the 125th Special Tactics Squadron as the Category II Airman of the Year; and Senior Master Sgt. Luke Thompson also from the 125th Special Tactics Squadron as the Category III Airman of the Year.

Two members of the Oregon Air National Guard received national awards for 2011 and were recognized during the banquet. Tech. Sgt. David J. Marciel of the 142nd Fighter Wing Maintenance Squadron was acknowledged for being selected as the Noncommissioned Officer Association's Vanguard Award and Ms. Susan Murren from the 116th Air Control Squadron as the Regional Volunteer of the Year Award for Region 10.

Other special recognition awards went to 123rd Weather Flight members 1st Lt. Lena Morrill, being selected Oregon Air National Guard Officer of the Year and Tech. Sgt. Matthew Jenkins, chosen for the Wingman Award. From the 173rd Fighter Wing, Senior Master Sgt. Mardi Arnold was selected as the Honor Guard Member of the Year, Master Sgt. Mitchell Wofford as the First Sergeant of the Year and Mrs. Anna Harsch as the Civilian Employee of the Year. Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Raya, 125th Special Tactics Squardron was recognized for being selected as the Outstanding Superior Performer. The Recruiter of the Year was Tech. Sgt. Keela Tillery from the Joint Force Headquarters and the Unit Career Advisor of the Year honors went to Tech. Sgt. Richard Taylor of the 142nd Fighter Wing.

The Portland Police Bureau was selected as the Employer of the Year for the Oregon National Guard.