CONTACT: Lt. Col. Deanna Miller, 716-236-3142

FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, Apr 03, 2012

ON SITE: Lt. Col. Deanna Miller, 716-236-3142

NIAGARA FALLS, NY (04/03/2012)(readMedia)-- Three members of the New York Air National Guard’s 107th Airlift Wing have been recognized for outstanding service. Master Sgt. Michael J. Owczarczak was named Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year, Staff Sgt. Martin W. Hanley was named Non-commissioned Officer of the Year, and Senior Airman Joshua D. Strange was picked as Airman of the Year. Owczarczk, a Medina resident, is assigned to the 107th Security Forces Squadron where he serves as the assistant Trainer in the 107th Security Forces Training Section. He is responsible for all training requirements for security forces members. He began his military career as a Combat Medic with the Army National Guard and has been a member of the 107th since 2001. His operational deployments include Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. Hanley, an Akron resident, is assigned to the 107th Comptroller Flight as an accounting technician. Additionally, he is an active member of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station’s Honor Guard and the Junior Enlisted Council. His military service includes a tour with the United States Marine Corps prior to enlisting in the New York Air National Guard in 2008. Strange, a Buffalo resident, serves as an Air Transportation Specialist in the 107th Aerial Port Section responsible for rigging parachutes for airdrops and aerial recovery of airdropped equipment. He has deployed in support of both Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Strange has been a member of the New York Air National Guard since 2010 and also holds a full time position as an Insurance Counselor. All three members of the New York Air National Guard are active volunteers working with local community organizations. "It is a great honor to serve beside such fine Airmen. It never ceases to amaze me how these Citizen Airmen juggle so many things in their civilian lives, coupled with their military commitments, and still shine as top performers amongst their peers," said Chief Master Sergeant David Wohleben, 107th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant. "When we have an opportunity to recognize individuals for their performance, it only strengthens the commitment the Air National Guard has to its local communities as well as the Air Force. These top Airmen of the 107th Airlift Wing should be very proud of their accomplishments." Guardsmen nominated for these awards are individuals who perform at a higher standard or who have demonstrated exceptional or extraordinary acts or actions. They are personnel that stand out from their peers and receive recognition for their efforts. These individuals have also demonstrated a high level of competency and leadership, Wohleben said. Posted Tuesday April 03, 2012 at 11:07 am by New York State Division of Military