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Ohio Air National Guard's
Outstanding Airmen of Year winners announced

Story by 178th Wing Public Affairs ~ Video by Staff Sgt. Zachary Tateman, Ohio National Guard

The 178th Wing hosted the 2017 Ohio Air National Guard Outstanding Airmen of the Year (OAY) awards banquet this January in Springfield, Ohio. Winners were announced in six categories. reports.

Group photo of Ohio Air National Guard recipients, senior leaders and attendees at the awards banquet.
Photos by Airman Amber Mullen, 178th Wing Public Affaris

The 178th Wing hosted the 2017 Ohio Air National Guard Outstanding Airmen of the Year awards banquet to honor the nominees from units across the state, Jan. 6, 2018, at the Courtyard Marriott in Springfield, Ohio. The OAY awards honor Airmen in six rank tiers, recognizing those who go above and beyond their daily duties and exhibit strong work ethic, community involvement and leadership.

Recipients stand with award alongside Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Markovich (left of recipient), commander, Ohio Air National Guard; Col. James R. Camp (right of recipient), Ohio assistant adjutant general for Air; and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas A. Jones, OHANG State Command Chief.

Staff Sgt. Jordan E. Hopson, Ohio Air National Guard Airman of the Year holds award while posing with Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Markovich, Col. James R. Camp and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas A. Jones.

121st patchStaff Sgt. Jordan E. Hopson of the 121st Air Refueling Wing is honored as the 2017 Ohio Air National Guard Airman of the Year.

Tech. Sgt. Aimee M. Davey, 2017 Ohio Air National Guard Noncommissioned Officer of the Year holds award while posing with Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Markovich, James R. Camp and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas A. Jones.

121st patchTech. Sgt. Aimee M. Davey of the 178th Wing is honored as the 2017 Ohio Air National Guard Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

121st patchSenior Master Sgt. Rebecca L. Shell of the 179th Airlift Wing is honored as the 2017 Ohio Air National Guard Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year (accepting on her behalf is Chief Master Sgt. Dana Togliatti).

Capt. Marcus Bosch, Ohio Air National Guard Company Grade Officer of the Year holds award while posing with Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Markovich, Col. James R. Camp and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas A. Jones.

121st patchCapt. Marcus Bosch of the 178th Wing is honored as the 2017 Ohio Air National Guard Company Grade Officer of the Year.

Senior Airman Michael R. White, 2017 Ohio Air National Guard Honor Guard Member of the Year holds award with Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Markovich, Col. James R. Camp and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas A. Jones.

121st patchMaster Sgt. Shawn F. Murray of the 178th Wing is honored as the 2017 Ohio Air National Guard Honor Guard Member of the Year

121st patchSenior Airman Michael R. White of the 180th Fighter Wing is honored as the 2017 Ohio Air National Guard Honor Guard Member of the Year.


SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (01/06/18) — The 178th Wing hosted the 2017 Ohio Air National Guard Outstanding Airmen of the Year (OAY) awards banquet to honor the nominees from units across the state, Jan. 6 at the Courtyard Marriott.

The OHANG Outstanding Airmen of the Year award winners announced at the banquet:

  • Airman Tier — Staff Sgt. Jordan E. Hopson, 121st Air Refueling Wing
  • Noncommissioned Officer Tier — Tech. Sgt. Aimee M. Davey, 178th Wing
  • Senior Noncommissioned Officer Tier — Senior Master Sgt. Rebecca L. Shell, 179th Airlift Wing
  • Company Grade Officer Tier — Capt. Marcus Bosch, 178th Wing
  • First Sergeant Category — Master Sgt. Shawn F. Murray, 178th Wing
  • Honor Guard Category — Senior Airman Michael R. White, 180th Fighter Wing

The winning Airmen will compete at the national level against winners from all 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia, with the potential to earn the title of Outstanding Airman of the Year for the entire Air National Guard. The 2016 Air National Guard Airman of the Year was Staff Sgt. Jennifer D. Masters of the 178th Wing.

The OAY award seeks to honor Airmen who go above and beyond their daily duties. Strong work ethic, community involvement, and leadership are some aspects that help judges determine who will represent the Air National Guard’s best for 2017.

Col. Gregg Hesterman, 178th Wing commander, offered thoughts on the three Airmen under his command who earned top statewide honors.

“Out of 11 units, the 178th brought home three of six awards overall,” Hesterman said. “I’m totally amazed, but not surprised at all by the performance of our Airmen. It’s just so exciting to see our members bring home the trophies.”

Reactions from some of the award winners included surprise as well as gratitude for those who helped get them there.

“I feel shocked,” said Bosch of his feelings after winning the CGO tier award, making sure to credit his leadership and fellow Airmen for his success. “I didn’t do it all on my own,” he said.

Added Davey: “I (felt) super surprised, but grateful. I’m thankful for my supervision giving me the opportunity to shine.”

Hopson said his win will motivate him going into 2018. “With it being a new year and just being promoted now, I’m working to further my accomplishments and take it to another level,” he said.

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