The Wyoming Military Department honored Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees for their service and contributions during a series of award ceremonies held Nov. 3 and 4 at the Joint Forces Readiness Center, the 153rd Airlift Wing, and Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center.
Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming’s Adjutant General, praised award recipients for their dedication and emphasized that their commitment keeps the Cowboy Guard mission-ready. “These ceremonies are about the people who make this organization what it is,” Porter said. “Every one of you represents the heart of the Wyoming Guard. Your commitment inspires others to Ride for the Brand every day.”
Joint Forces Headquarters Awards — Cheyenne
At Cheyenne’s Joint Forces Headquarters, Lt. Col. Ross White, commander of the Wyoming Army Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, encouraged attendees to view challenges as opportunities. “Perspective changes everything,” White said. “Every setback is a chance to get better.”
Service awards included:
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5 Years: Joshua Crites, Lillian O’Callaghan
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10 Years: Tanner Leuning, Christopher Upton, Andrew Wagnon
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20 Years: Bowen Brammeir
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25 Years: Justin Moore
153rd Airlift Wing Awards — Cheyenne
Airmen and civilian staff of the 153rd Airlift Wing were recognized for milestone service and workplace excellence. Service awards included:
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5 Years: Andrew Bonfield, Airiel Hill, Damian Hoffmann, John Kremer
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10 Years: William Brinker, Megan Hoffmann, Seth Neckermann, Melissa Stevens
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15 Years: John Heap, Kevin Hoke, Robert Hughes, Lawrence Sullivan
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25 Years: Scott Wagner
Leah Urquhart, a firefighter with the 153 AW, was named State Employee of the Quarter for her exceptional management of the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus program, a key element during the unit’s recent inspector general inspection.
Camp Guernsey Awards — Guernsey
Senior leaders traveled to Camp Guernsey to recognize the team for supporting thousands of service members annually. Service awards included:
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5 Years: Austin Barnes, Audie Marsh, Gertrude Zaffarano, David Bartell
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10 Years: Chase Kelly, Robert Vince
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15 Years: Chance Jenkins, Sheila Hawley
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20 Years: Robert Lorenz
Art Lowther, a Natural Resources Technician, was honored as State Employee of the Quarter for coordinating training support for more than 26,000 Soldiers during one of the busiest seasons in the installation’s history.
Porter concluded the events by thanking all awardees for their professionalism. “Whether you’ve been here five years or 25 years, your service makes Wyoming stronger,” he said.
By: DNU staff