CAMP MABRY, Texas -- A line of nominees stand, patiently adjusting their uniforms and silently reciting memorized answers as they wait to be interviewed. On the other side of heavy conference room doors, panels of senior noncommissioned officers review documents and prepare a series of questions to ask each awaiting member. This distinguished panel is charged with identifying the Outstanding Airmen of the Year for the Texas Air National Guard.
The Airman of the Year award recognizes outstanding Guardsmen for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements. Five individuals were selected from the 136th Airlift Wing to move forward to Austin, Texas, Jan. 11-13 to compete for the state title.
The official ceremony took place on Jan. 13, and in the Airman category, the wing’s very own Senior Airman Benfer took first place for the Texas Air National Guard. He will move forward to compete at the national level for the entire Air National Guard.
Maj. Gen. David McMinn, commander of the Texas Air National Guard, presided over the official ceremony at Camp Mabry. Family, friends and unit members were in attendance to support their Airmen and celebrate their success.