Happy Hooligans Honored
FARGO, N.D. — The North Dakota Air National Guard, nicknamed the “Happy Hooligans”, recognized the organization’s top enlisted Airmen of the year on March 6, during its 2020 Airman of Year recognition ceremony. The event was held at North Dakota Air National Guard Base Fargo, N.D.
Airmen were nominated for the awards based on their military and community service throughout 2020. Awards were presented for Outstanding Airman of the Year; Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year; and Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Additional recognition was presented for Unit Career Advisor of the Year and First Sergeant of the Year.
Distinguished guests included Gov. Doug Burgum and Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, N.D. senior Air National Guard enlisted leaders, and former North Dakota adjutants general. The ceremony was attended by members of the 119th Wing and was live-streamed.
“Congratulations to our Airmen that earned these top awards,” said Col. Darrin Anderson, 119th Wing commander. “There are so many great Hooligans in this organization that it’s a true honor to be recognized as the best of the best – I am very proud of all of you.”
The three Outstanding Airmen of the Year winners as follows:
Outstanding Airman of the Year
– Airman 1st Class Laura Biewer
Biewer enlisted in the North Dakota Air National Guard in 2017 and serves as an aerospace medical technician in the 119th Medical Group.
Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year – Tech. Sgt. Kally Anderson
Anderson joined the North Dakota Air National Guard in 2011 and serves as an aerospace medical technician in the 119th Medical Group.
Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
– Master Sgt. Richard Gladue
Gladue joined the North Dakota Air National Guard in 2010 and serves as flight chief in the 119th Security Forces Squadron.
In addition to the Airmen of the Year, two other Airmen were recognized for their achievements. Tech. Sgt. Tyler Smith was named Unit Career Advisor of the Year for his individual efforts and achievement with unit retention and career motivation program management. Master Sgt. Lisa Narum was named First Sergeant of the Year, which recognizes the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by first sergeants in the Air Force.
The North Dakota National Guard is a trained and highly motivated force of about 4,000 Citizen-Soldiers and Citizen-Airmen. We are always prepared to provide ready units, individuals and equipment in support of our communities, state and nation. Always ready, always there.