NEWS | May 21, 2022

Armed Forces Day Concert recognizes UTNG State of Utah Service Members of the Year

By Ileen Kennedy Utah National Guard

This year’s 19th Annual Armed Forces Day Concert recognized 12 recipients of the State of Utah Service Members of the Year award, at the Gallivan Center, Salt Lake City, May 21, 2022.

The Choral Arts Society of Utah collaborated with the Utah National Guard 23rd Army Band to present this concert where both past and present, men and women in uniform were honored for their service.

As part of the program, Brig. Gen. Kurt Davis, assistant adjutant general—Air, Utah National Guard; Mr. Gary Harter, executive director, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs; and retired Senior Master Sgt. Sterling Poulsen, music director, Choral Arts Society of Utah, recognized the awardees, three of which were service members from the Utah National Guard.

The Enlisted Service Member of the Year award was presented to Staff Sgt. Ciara Loman, 169th Intelligence Squadron, Utah Air National Guard. Loman received her BA in Middle Eastern Studies maintaining a 4.0 GPA while on the Dean’s List. She has used her knowledge to offer language and cultural training to other Airmen, as well as volunteering to teach a university ROTC class on Air Force Intelligence Fundamentals. She was hand-picked for a graduate-level language pedagogy course and has mastered language skills with test scores exceeding agency standard for two different languages. Loman volunteered with Operation Allies Welcome and provided translation for 25,000 refugees and housing support for 10,000. She also assisted the State Department and Joint Services Task Forces for three months helping to provide resettlement services and fulfilling the Air Combat Command and National Guard Bureau’s highest priority.

The Honor Guard Service Member of the Year award was awarded to Spc. Brian Jordan, Military Funeral Honors, Utah Army National Guard. Jordan was an integral part of the success of the Military Funeral Honors program, holding multiple positions over the past year. He was assigned as the Northern Utah area coordinator where his work ethic and professionalism greatly increased the program’s relationships with funeral homes and Veteran service organizations. He was also selected as the program’s team lead as well as covering additional duties as the state trainer and supply noncommissioned officer. Jordan exceeded all expectations when covering down on these three separate full-time positions, truly setting himself apart as a trusted and extremely competent Honor Guard Soldier.

The Warrant Officer Service Member of the Year was awarded to Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nicholas Pantuso, 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Utah Army National Guard. Pantuso is recognized throughout the state of Utah as the expert in tactical airspace management and system integration. He is requested by other units for significant training events. His experience and knowledge has been critical in the training and certification of several Navy Carrier Strike Groups through the Fleet Synthetic training-Joint exercise. Pantuso was recognized by the Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Michael Turley and Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Nielsen, for his exceptional efforts in certifying 7th Naval Fleet and clearing airspace for Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. Pantuso is a network security agent in his civilian employment which has often translated to significant value as a member of the 65th FAB. He exemplifies the Army Values in his life and sets an example for his unit in his personal and professional conduct.

The purpose of the awards is to recognize the outstanding performers from each of the major military entities in the state representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, from active duty, guard, and reserve organizations. This is the second year these awards have been given and it is planned for this to continue as an annual recognition.

The other award recipients recognized were:
Noncommissioned Officer: Master Sgt. Sierra Beers, 419th Fighter Wing, Hill
Senior NCO: Master Sgt. Henry Matsouka, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill
1st Sgt.: Master Sgt. Brian Carpenter, 75th Air Base Wing, Hill
Company Grade Officer: Cpt. Ryan Landon, Minuteman III program, Hill
Field Grade Officer: Maj. Ryan Button, 75th Air Base Wing
Civilian 1: Mr. Anthony Bott, Tooele Army Depot
Civilian 2: Mr. David Veglia, Ogden Air Logistics Complex, Hill
Civilian 3: Dr. Carolyn Stwertka, Ground Based Strategic Deterrent Program, Hill Kearston Cutrubus, Military Service Award

Your Career Starts Here

Tips to survive, gifts, family, and mandatory fun
By Keith Garner | Dec. 19, 2023
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but for some of us, they can also be a source of stress and sadness. Maybe you’re going through a tough time, such as a loss of a loved one, a divorce, a health...

ACUB
Army Compatible Use Buffer A Valued Partnership
By | Nov. 21, 2023
The cities of Saratoga Springs and Herriman joined the Utah National Guard at a small event hosted at Camp Williams on Oct. 4, 2023. The event recognized the immense work and partnership that enabled the purchase of over 10...

Master Sgt. Justin Cordero leads a Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (resilience) class for Soldiers assigned to the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at Camp Williams, Utah, June 2, 2023. Cordero is a Resilience Training Assistant for the 204th. (US Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stowell)
Learning Optimism Is a Battle Drill Soldiers are on the for good stuff.
By | Nov. 21, 2023
Every month, they attend classes where they learn skills like optimism, self-regulation, and mental agility...

2023 Utah National Guard Counterdrug Conference EXSUM
By | Nov. 21, 2023
2023 Utah National Guard Counterdrug Conference exercise summery...

Utah Air National Guard members participate in Arbinger training
Utah Air National Guard participates in Arbinger training
By Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Perez | Nov. 3, 2023
In a classroom at the Utah Air National Guard Base, a group of Servicemembers were asked: What would be possible if you and your organization were more outward?The Servicemembers, with varying levels of rank and professional...

Utah Air National Guard members participate in Arbinger training
Utah Air National Guard participates in Arbinger training
By Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Perez | Nov. 3, 2023
In a classroom at the Utah Air National Guard Base, a group of Servicemembers were asked: What would be possible if you and your organization were more outward?The Servicemembers, with varying levels of rank and professional...

In a significant assumption of command and promotion ceremony held on 14 October 2023, Colonel G. Chris Buckner was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and assumed command of the Utah Air National Guard, also serving as the Assistant Adjutant General for Air of the Utah National Guard.
Brigadier General G. Chris Buckner Assumes Command of the Utah Air National Guard in Prestigious Ceremony
By Master Sgt. Colton Elliott | Oct. 16, 2023
In a significant assumption of command and promotion ceremony held on 14 October 2023, Colonel G. Chris Buckner was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and assumed command of the Utah Air National Guard, also serving as...

204th MEB Soldiers Get Battle Ready for Africom Deployment
By Sgt. 1st Class Rich Stowell | Aug. 22, 2023
 “Contact! Contact!” Soldiers yell out to each other as they begin to take simulated fire from up the hill.It was part of a week-long training event for the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at Camp Williams, Utah. They call...

Freedom Academy delegates perform a customized group chant at Camp Williams on the morning of July 20th, 2023. Since 1961 the Utah National Guard and Honorary Colonels Corps have sponsored Freedom Academy, providing a challenging and engaging environment designed to teach high school leaders from across Utah the importance of freedom and highlight the military and governmental functions that are critical to its survival.
Utah National Guard hosts Freedom Academy 2023
By Sgt. Christine Hoskins | July 20, 2023
High school students from across the state of Utah assembled at Camp Williams for a week of learning, honing leadership skills, developing friendships, finding deeper purpose, and solidifying their understanding of freedom,...

Senior Airman Kevin Buckner (middle), fire protection with the 151st Civil Engineering Squadron, Utah National Guard, carries a pineapple while rucking more than six miles for the mystery event during the Region VII Best Warrior Competition on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, May 7-11, 2023. The Best Warrior Competition is an annual Army-sponsored event designed to measure the Soldier’s physical fitness, mental acuity, and demonstrated skill in warrior tasks and battle drills. The Soldier and Noncommisioned Officer of the Year for the region will advance to the All Guard National Best Warrior Competition in Alaska.
Utah Airman keeps up with region’s top Soldiers at Best Warrior Competition
By Staff Sgt. Jordan Hack | May 12, 2023
Senior Airman Kevin Buckner, a fire protection journeyman with the 151st Civil Engineering Squadron, winner of the Soldier of the Year category at this year’s Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition, impressed everyone...