
By Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez, Utah Air National Guard
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Air National Guard celebrated its Airmen of the Year during a banquet held in their honor at the Zions Bancorporation’s Midvale Technology Campus on Jan. 11, 2025, in Midvale, Utah.
The Airman of the Year banquet celebrated excellence, resilience, and dedication, featuring inspiring speeches from Maj. Gen. Daniel Boyack, the adjutant general of the Utah National Guard; Gov. Spencer Cox; and Brig. Gen. Chris Buckner, the assistant adjutant general of the Utah Air National Guard.
In his heartfelt address, Cox expressed deep appreciation for the Air National Guard and its members, emphasizing the trust and admiration they command. “You’re the only people left that everybody trusts,” he said, underscoring the critical role the Guard plays not only in Utah but across the nation.
Reflecting on his unique experience of obtaining the highest security clearance of any governor, Cox shared the gravity of global challenges and his gratitude for the individuals in the room.
“The more I learn about what is happening out there, the more grateful I am for the people in this room,” he stated. Cox praised the Guard’s unmatched culture of excellence and care, adding, “You train hard, work hard, and care about each other. The very values of our nation depend on you being the best.”
Cox concluded by recognizing the families and loved ones of service members, whose support makes their service possible. He offered a personal message of trust and pride: “I trust you, and that is the greatest compliment that I can give anyone. I trust you, and I’m proud of you.”
Boyack also delivered a powerful and heartfelt address, honoring the nominees and their families. He emphasized the Air National Guard’s invaluable role both domestically and internationally, stating,
“You are the glue that holds our country and this world together.” Highlighting the Guard’s vital contributions, Boyack noted, “The Guard has really become the easy button for so many different scenarios.”
Boyack praised Utah’s reputation as a leader in innovation and excellence, sharing that the chief of the National Guard Bureau prioritized a visit to Utah due to the state’s strong reputation. He expressed profound gratitude to the families of service members, acknowledging their sacrifices.
Reflecting on a recent deployment, he remarked, “Seeing fathers meet their kids for the first time and families reunited was a tender reminder of the sacrifices made by our families.”
Concluding his speech, Boyack commended the volunteers who ensured the timely return of the 204th on Christmas Eve, calling it a testament to Utah’s dedication and community spirit.
He left attendees with a message of pride and support: “You are some of the best people I know. My family and I are better because we get to associate with you.”
Buckner closed the evening with remarks that encapsulated the event’s spirit. Expressing gratitude to the families of service members, he humbly acknowledged their sacrifices: “Two simple words, thank you, can never do justice for the sacrifice you make to serve this great state and nation.” He emphasized the unique strength of the Utah National Guard, saying, “One of the things that the Utah National Guard does well is it takes really good people and makes them better, which in turn makes the state and our nation better.”
Buckner praised the Airmen of the Utah Air National Guard for their exceptional performance over the past year, acknowledging their efforts during a time of increasing demands.
“The National Guard really is the key to our nation’s strength, homeland response, and warfighting power.” Buckner concluded with a message of pride and optimism for the future: “Our values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do will always steer us home. It’s an absolute privilege to associate with all of you.”
As the evening came to a close, attendees were reminded of the extraordinary dedication and resilience of the Utah Air National Guard and its members, whose service ensures the safety and strength of the state and nation.
The following received awards in their respective categories:
Diamond SHARP award: Chief Master Sgt. Andrew McDonald
Honorary Chief: Brig. Gen. Chris Buckner
Chiefs Excellence in Innovation award: Mrs. Mindy Christen
Civilian of the Year: Mrs. Tiffany Xaysana
Utah’ Best Warrior: Airman 1st Class Kalob Swank, Airman 1st Class Brady Cooper, TSgt David Brereton
Soldier of the Year: Airman 1st Class Kalob Swank
Inclusive Leader Award: Col. Andrea Van leeuween (Ret.)
Honor Guard Member of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Dallen Brown
First Sergeant of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Rusty Eagle
Field Grade Officer of the Year: Lt. Col. Travis Johnson
– As the CE Squadron Commander, led the $5.4M military construction hangar design project, setting a new enterprise standard recognized by NGB. His efforts secured approval for a $145M, 139,600-square-foot, two-hangar consolidation project.
Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Joseph Moxon
– As Acting Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, supported the 151st Wing Legal Office by delivering 52 legal documents, including 6 wills and 9 medical directives, saving clients $20,111 in legal fees. His leadership and expertise exemplify exceptional service.
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer: Master Sgt. Christopher Cook
– As the LRS Air Transportation Superintendent, led 15 airlift missions with coalition forces and enhanced training for British and German Special Operations units during key exercises. As the first Utah ANG Airman to win Airman, NCO, and Senior NCO of the Year, he sets a historic precedent.
Non-commissioned Officer: Tech. Sgt. David Brereton
– As a Cryptologic Language Analyst in the ISRG, led a 23-member team in producing nine reports on adversary military modernization through 1,350 hours of analysis. His work identified emerging threats, aiding NASIC, AFMC, and the National Security Council in countermeasure development and resource allocation.
Airman of the Year: Airman 1st Class Kalob Swank
– As a Security Forces Officer in the SFS, led a joint training exercise with Detachment 50, enhancing tactical and operational capabilities through a comprehensive training plan. His efforts showcased exceptional planning and execution to drive mission success.
Outstanding team: 151st Operations Group Intel Team
– Capt. Chris Attaway , 1Lt Jon Atkin, 1Lt Thomas Vogel, Tech. Sgt. John Miller , Tech. Sgt. Zak Schmutz, Staff Sgt. Tanner Simmons, Staff Sgt. Matt Hurst, Senior Airman Justin Kennedy, Airman 1st Class Ben Niu,Airman 1st Class Toby Feldman.
– The 151st OG Intel Team excelled during a 90-day deployment to Al Udeid AB, Qatar, in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Their efforts included delivering 154 mission briefings, completing 143 evasion plans, and crafting 105 post-mission reports. These contributions enabled the offload of 4.6 million pounds of fuel and over 1,000 flight hours of combat sorties under the CENTCOM JFACC air tasking order.
The Utah Air National Guard Airman, NCO, Senior NCO, and First Sergeant winners will compete nationally. He may have a chance to compete at the National Guard and Air Force Level to be one of the Air Force’s Twelve Outstanding Airman of the Year.



