Minnesota National Guard to Recognize Airmen of the Year for 2023

MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release

May 4, 2023

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Saturday, Minnesota National Guard leaders will recognize five 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 Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson, the Minnesota National Guard’s Command Senior Enlisted Leader.

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 2023 Outstanding Airman of Year recipients. 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 2023 to be recognized will be:

• Airman Category: Senior Airman Timothy Rowe, 148th Fighter Wing

 • Non-Commission Officer Category: Tech. Sgt. Morgan Johnson, 133rd Airlift Wing

• Senior Non-Commission Officer Category: Master Sgt. Matthew Carlson, 133rd Airlift Wing

• Flight First Sergeant Category: Master Sgt. Benjamin Riordan, 148th Fighter Wing

• Company Grade Officer Category: Capt. Justin Boucher, 148th Fighter Wing

“These Airmen are being recognized as the Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2023 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 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 May 6 at 10:30 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 Air Force Maj. Andrea Kostiuk at (651) 331- 8041 or andrea.kostiuk@us.af.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.

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