139th News

Wing announces 2014 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Theo Ramsey
  • 139th Airlift Wing
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (Rosecrans Air National Guard Base) --  Col. Ralph Schwader, 139th Airlift Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Randy Miller, 139th Airlift Wing command chief, recognized five Airmen as Outstanding Airmen of the Year for their distinguished contributions to the 139th Airlift Wing and the Air National Guard during a ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base Nov. 1.

"To see the humbleness and support from all those who interviewed today was exceptional," said Miller, "The camaraderie shown today amongst the Airmen at all levels is unparalleled and shows that the 139th Airlift Wing is a family and that we care about each other greatly."

Miller added that he was proud to be part of an organization with such great talent across all ranks, and a hearty congratulations to those who will go on to represent the 139th Airlift Wing at the State-level Outstanding Airmen of the Year board.

The 139th Airlift Wing 2014 Outstanding Airmen of the Year are:

Officer - Capt. Jared Kirk, 139th Airlift Wing Plans, provides professional airlift as a C-130H pilot.  In 2014, Kirk has flown and planned successful missions to Idaho, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Virginia, Washington DC, and Germany.  Kirk has been noted for demonstrating natural leadership ability in developing, coordinating, directing, and monitoring peacetime and wartime plans for the 139th  Wing Commander.

First Sergeant - Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Hamlett, 139th Airlift Wing, manages more than 160 enlisted personnel assigned to the 139th Airlift Wing, Operations Group, and the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center (AATTC).  Hamlett accepts and demonstrates the qualities and high standards demanded of a senior Air Force leader.  Lauded and patient and compassionate, yet firm and fair, Hamlett is also a competent communicator requested as a special quest on a local radio show to discuss education, military, family and local politics.  Hamlett earned his Doctorate in Business Administration in May.

Senior Noncommissioned Officer - Master Sgt. Kris Neros, 139th Civil Engineering Squadron, is the installation's emergency manager for all required emergency and incident response equipment valued at more the $500,000.  Neros coordinated two State Partnership Program events with the Nation of Panama, as well as traveling to Panama to provide Incident Command System training to nearly 30 senior leaders from Panamanian emergency response agencies equivalent to the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and several offices within the Department of Defense (DoD).

Noncommissioned Officer - Tech. Sgt. Fred Osborn, 139th Airlift Wing Recruiter, averaged nearly 3 enlistments per month, achieving 140% of his assigned goal for 2014.  Lauded as a dedicated leader who epitomizes the NCO image. Osborn is also recognized as a leader in the community.  He is heavily involved with the United Way, Salvation Army, local food kitchen, elementary and high school Parent/Teacher Association, Masonic Lodge #78, Moila Shrine Temple, and more.

Airman - Senior Airman Gregory Haynes, 139th Security Forces Squadron, provides base security at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base.  In 2014, Haynes was hand-selected for a 30-day Raven mission to the African nations of Cameroon, Niger and Chad, providing security for aircraft, aircrew and cargo with zero discrepancies.  This year, Haynes earned 100% on his Air Force physical fitness test.