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Kansas National Guard Airmen Recognized for Excellence

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Meagan Gardner
  • 190th Air Refueling Wing

TOPEKA, Kansas – Three Kansas National Guard Airmen are soaring to new heights after earning top honors in the Air National Guard Region 5 Outstanding Airmen of the Year competition.

Representing the best of the best from a region that includes Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, these standout Airmen were recognized for their exceptional job performance, unwavering Airmanship and inspiring sense of unity and dedication to their team.

Senior Airman Dakota Schupp of the 190th Security Forces Squadron was named Airman of the Year. Tech. Sgt. Jamie Gardner of the 190th Force Support Squadron earned the title of Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Master Sgt. Ryan Bippert, serving with the 184th Mission Support Group, was honored as First Sergeant of the Year. The trio rose to the top from a pool of more than 12,500 enlisted members—a testament to their dedication and impact.

“The Outstanding Airmen of the Year competitions are extremely tough,” said Chief Master Sgt. Chase Liphart, state command chief. “These Airmen and their accomplishments represent our Air Force core values, embody a warrior ethos and promote Airmanship.”

Before competing at the regional level, these Airmen had to prove themselves at the wing and state levels, which is also an achievement. Pushing through the process came with its own challenges. Schupp said condensing a year’s worth of work into a single performance report was one of the hardest parts of the competition.

“Thankfully, I had very experienced non-commissioned officers and senior NCOs who did the heavy lifting for an inexperienced Airman like me,” Schupp said.

Gardner reflected on the honor of being recognized and the support that helped her along the way.

“It’s incredibly humbling to be recognized at this level,” Gardner said. “I wouldn’t be here without the mentorship, encouragement and teamwork of the 190th. This award represents all of us.”

Schupp, Gardner and Bippert are preparing to represent Region 5 in the national-level Air National Guard competition later this spring.

“We’re excited to represent Kansas on the national stage,” said Schupp. “No matter the outcome, I know we’ll bring our best and make our units proud.”