WASHINGTON-- New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Christopher Petersen ( second from left) receives a plaque recognizing him as the USO's National Guardsman of the Year for 2013 from National Guard Vice Chief , Lt. Gen. Joseph Lengyel during the USO's annual Gala on Friday, October 25. Petersen is pararescueman in the 106th Rescue Wing's 103rd Rescue Squadron. He was honored for his heroism in Afghanistan and outstanding performance in training and on the job.
Also pictured are General Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Richard Myers, USAF (Ret) and USO CEO and President Sloan Gibson.