Minnesota National Guard to Recognize Airmen of the Year for 2021 & 2022
MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release
July 19, 2022
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Tomorrow, Minnesota National Guard leaders will recognize 10 Airmen for
their outstanding performance at St. Paul’s Veterans Service Building.
“Taking a moment to recognize the individual Airmen who have gone above and beyond in their
primary duties is vital as people are the center of any successful organization,” said Minnesota
National Guard’s State Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson.
Members of the Minnesota National Guard’s Saint Paul-based 133rd Airlift Wing and Duluth based 148th Fighter Wing will gather in support of their 2021 and 2022 Outstanding Airman of
Year nominees. Each unit selected candidates based on job performance, leadership, community
involvement, and personal achievement during the previous year. The awards honor the
Airmen’s accomplishments and highlight their dedication and devotion to duty.
The Outstanding Airmen for the 2021 ceremony was postponed due to COVID-19 social
distancing guidance.
The following Airmen will be recognized for 2021:
• Master Sgt. Jay Jakeway (Senior Noncommissioned Officer)
• Master Sgt. Shannon Housey (First Sergeant)
• Staff Sgt. Alaina Lathrop (Noncommissioned Officer)
• Senior Airman Benjamin Swenson (Airman)
• Capt. Brent Shouler (Company Grade Officer)
The Outstanding Airmen for 2022 to be recognized will be:
• Master Sgt. Shane Trisco (Senior Noncommissioned Officer)
• Master Sgt. Sterling Hartwick (First Sgt.)
• Tech. Sgt. Michael Schuette (Noncommissioned Officer)
• Senior Airman Madison Moritz (Airman)
• Capt. Katie Lunning (Company Grade Officer)
“These Airmen are being recognized as the Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2021 and 2022
because they have led, trained, and supported our fellow Airmen and communities to the highest
level,” said Erikson. “This ceremony provides us a platform to recognize the achievements of our
Airmen and show gratitude for what they have done as they become future leaders within our
organization.”
The selecting board consisted of the previous year’s category winner, the 133rd Airlift Wing and
148th Fighter Wing Command Chiefs, and the State Command Chief. These Airmen will
advance to compete at the regional level.
Editor’s Note: Media members are invited to attend the event on July 20 at 11 a.m., located at
the Veterans Service Building, 20 West 12th St., St. Paul, Minn. Media will require assistance to
gain access to the 5th floor. Media must RSVP to Army Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette at (651) 219-
2887 or sydney.j.mariette.mil@army.mil
About the Minnesota National Guard –
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than
13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers
and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars,
protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more
information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.
