Johnsonville man named state Airman of the Year
SCOTIA, N.Y. >> New York Air National Guard Airman First Class Jason Malm, a Johnsonville resident, has been selected as the New York Air National Guard’s Airman of the Year.
Malm is a member of the 109th Airlift Wing based at Stratton Air National Guard Base. The wing flies the LC-130 aircraft capable of landing on ice and snow.
In civilian life, Malm is a Johnsonville fire commissioner, responsible for overseeing the Johnsonville Fire District’s $370,000 budget, and works as a dental hygienist.
His selection as Airman of the Year is “an honor,” Malm said.
“When you’re selected among your peers who are all outstanding, it’s humbling,” he added.
The Airman of the Year Award recognizes outstanding junior enlisted airmen from across the 5,800-member New York Air National Guard. The winner of that award goes on to compete against representatives from the other 53 state Air National Guards for Best in the Air Guard honors.
Professionalism, skill and commitment to the mission all play a role in selecting the honorees, said New York Air National Guard Command Chief Amy Giaquinto.
“In his short time at the 109th, Airman Malm has firmly established himself as an invaluable asset,” said Master Sgt. Sean Carty, 109th Medical Group superintendent of administration. “It is clear that he sets high standards for himself, as he has exceeded every expectation to date in his career, from job proficiency to dress and appearance, physical fitness and continuing education both on and off duty. Malm is an excellent role model for all airmen to emulate.”
Malm joined the 109th Airlift Wing’s Medical Group in 2014 as a dental technician. He graduated from Airman Basic Military Training in 2015 and was the Honor Graduate in his class and also received the Fitness Excellence Award. He distinguished himself during a Department of Defense-funded dental care mission in Hawaii in which over 5,700 patients were seen. Malm was commended for streamlining dental radiology procedures and effectively triaging patients during the operation.
His experience as a volunteer firefighter influenced his decision to join the New York Air National
Guard. The combination of his civilian career as a dental hygienist — Malm holds an associate degree in dental hygiene from Hudson Valley Community College — and his service as a volunteer firefighter enabled him to bring the two things he loved together.
“I started the firefighting and loved serving my community, and it was just an extension of that service to bring what I was doing in the community to a higher level,” Malm said.
His awards include the Air Force Outstanding
Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
The New York National Guard is the largest Air National Guard in the United States. Its five wings fly the C-17 strategic airlifter, the HH-60 Pavehawk rescue helicopter and HC-130 searchand-rescue aircraft, as well as the MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft, along with the LC-130 “Skibirds” flown by the 109th Airlift Wing.
New York Air National Guard airmen are also responsible for the air defense of the United States east of the Mississippi and respond to state emergencies when called upon by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.