139th News

Wing crew chief named best in Missouri

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
  • 139th Airlift Wing
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. --  A 139th Airlift Wing Airman here was recently recognized as the state's best noncommissioned officer (NCO) of the year by the Missouri National Guard.

Tech. Sgt. Fredrick Pierce is the Missouri Air Guard's Outstanding NCO of the Year.

He is among several other Airmen and Army Guard Soldiers, statewide, who are selected for their admirable service each year by the Joint Force Headquarters. These honorees now contend for the National Guard Bureau-level title in Washington with the chance of earning recognition as the Air Force's and Army's overall best.

"It's quite an honor for me," said Pierce.

Pierce is a C-130 Hercules aircraft crew chief assigned to the 139th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base. He served in the active duty Air Force first, and he was stationed in Japan. He joined the National Guard in 2006 and now works at Rosecrans Air Guard Base as a full time, federal technician, where he helps manage and maintain its aircraft.

"The crew chiefs here as well as our Maintenance Squadron Airmen do outstanding work, and this recognition is definitely a result of that too," he said.

Officials said Pierce distinguished himself in aircraft operations during the recent Missouri River flood. He also volunteered several times for overseas contingency operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Joint Forge.

Pierce said he hopes to pay his recognition forward through helping new and upcoming Airmen on base.

"I can share my experience with them, so they get the same opportunity," he said.