Focus on the Force Week: Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Chief Master Sgt. James W. Hotaling, the command chief of the Air National Guard, introduces the ANG Outstanding Airmen of the Year during the Focus on the Force breakfast August 6, 2014. The Airmen recognized were (left to right) Tech. Sgt. Doug Matthews, Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Technical Sgt. Amy Ough, Honor Guard Member of the Year, Senior Airman Christian Goldsmith, Airman of the Year, Master Sgt. Joseph G. Ashwood, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Master Sgt. David Coker, Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year, and Master Sgt. Linda Schwartzlow, First Sgt. of the Year. (Air National Guard photo by Master. Sgt. Marvin R. Preston/Released)

Focus on the Force Week: Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Chief Master Sgt. Tony L. Whitehead, command chief master sergeant of the Air National Guard Readiness Center, delivers remarks during the Focus on the Force breakfast August 6, 2014. Focus on the Force gathers senior enlisted leaders to openly discuss concerns, receive feedback from the junior enlisted and tell the exceptional stories of ANG Airmen throughout the 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia. Focus on the Force also recognizes the ANG Outstanding Airmen of the Year. (Air National Guard photo by Master. Sgt. Marvin R. Preston/Released)

Focus on the Force Week: Former Senior Enlisted Advisors

Chief Master Sgt. (ret) Richard A. Smith, the 9th command chief master sergeant of the Air National Guard, addresses attendees during the Focus on the Force breakfast August 6, 2014. Focus on the Force gathers senior enlisted leaders to openly discuss concerns, receive feedback from the junior enlisted and tell the exceptional stories of ANG Airmen throughout the 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia. Focus on the Force also recognizes the ANG Outstanding Airmen of the Year. (Air National Guard photo by Master. Sgt. Marvin R. Preston/Released)

Focus on the Force Week: Outstanding Airmen of the Year

The Air National Guard's Outstanding Airmen of the Year meet with Chief Master Sgt. (ret.) Richard A. Smith, former command chief master sergeant of the ANG at the Air National Guard Readiness Center on Joint Base Andrews, Md., during Focus on the Force Week, Aug. 6, 2014. Focus on the Force Week is a series of events designed to bring the perspective of the enlisted Air Guardsman to ANG leadership, and discuss challenges faced by Airmen across the ANG. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman John E. Hillier/Released)

Focus on the Force Week: Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Master Sgt. Matthew Hilborn, a broadcaster assigned to Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland interviews Senior Airman Christian Goldsmith during Focus on the Force Week August 6, 2014. Goldsmith is a geospatial intelligence analyst from the 150th Special Operations Wing, New Mexico ANG and is the Airman of the Year. Focus on the Force gathers senior enlisted leaders to openly discuss concerns, receive feedback from the junior enlisted and tell the exceptional stories of ANG Airmen throughout the ANG's 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia. (Air National Guard photo by Master. Sgt. Marvin R. Preston/Released)

Focus on the Force Week: Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Master Sgt. Matthew Hilborn, a broadcaster assigned to Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland interviews Master Sgt. Linda Schwartzlow during Focus on the Force Week August 6, 2014. Master Sgt. Schwartzlow is a first sergeant assigned to the 128th Air Control Squadron, Wisconsin ANG and the First Sergeant of the Year. Focus on the Force gathers senior enlisted leaders to openly discuss concerns, receive feedback from the junior enlisted and tell the exceptional stories of ANG Airmen throughout the 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia. (Air National Guard photo by Master. Sgt. Marvin R. Preston/Released)

ANG's Focus on the Force Week: Day 3

Published Aug. 8, 2014
By Senior Airman John Hillier
Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- On the third day of Focus on the Force Week, we embraced our Air National Guard heritage with the gathering of former senior enlisted advisors and command chief master sergeants at the Air National Guard Readiness Center.

The week is a four-day schedule of events with a focus on Air National Guard enlisted force growth and development through collaboration of leadership and subject matter experts including the ANG's six Outstanding Airmen of the Year.

Chief Master Sgt. (ret.) Richard Smith, the ninth command chief master sergeant of the ANG, was the keynote speaker at the Focus on the Force breakfast here where the ANG's Outstanding Airmen of the Year were the guests of honor. The Airmen also met with Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major Brunk W. Conley to discuss the enlisted Air Guardsmen perspective.

The gathered former senior enlisted advisors also met with the Enlisted Field Advisory Council to discuss challenges facing enlisted members across the ANG.

Hosted by the office of the Air National Guard's Command Chief Master Sergeant, James W. Hotaling, the second Focus on the Force Week's events also include the Chief's Executive Course, and an all call where Clarke, and Hotaling will present the 2014 Outstanding Airmen of the Year awards to the top six members of the ANG.