Sioux City, Iowa -- The 185th Air Refueling Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard announced their selectees for the 2017 Airman of the year for the Wing. The Sioux City, Iowa based Air Guard unit selected Airman 1st Class Catie Warren, Technical Sgt. Micha Larson and Master Sgt. Amber Franco for honors in their respective categories.
The Airman of the year program is designed to honor one person from each of the enlisted ranks, Airman, NCO and Senior NCO who demonstrate superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.
Over the next few months selectees from the 185th, along with Airman selected from 90 wings across the Air National Guard will compete for honors at the state level. Those selected at the state level will move on to the national selection board.
Airman 1st Class Catie Warren
Duty Title: Personalist
Unit: 185th ARW Mission Support
Highlights: In her work as a personalist Airman Warren provides first line customer service for base personal where she has been recognized by the top 3 for her superior customer service. She has become the Wing's go-to for Tricare Reserve Select inquiries which ensures eligible members of the unit receive medical coverage.
As part of her duties with the 185th she generates ID cards, processes re-enlistments & extensions, assists in training and also serves as the president of the Junior Enlisted Council. Warren is a volunteer committee member for the annual POW/MIA run, SC Tunnel Run 5k; Honored 9/11 fallen first responders and military heroes, as well as the Toys 4 Tots program. She is also an active Member at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church.
Technical Sgt. Micha Larson
Duty Title: Combat Arms
Unit: 185th ARW Security Forces
Highlights: Technical Sgt. Larson serves as the Assistant Combat Arms NCOIC for the wing weapons training and maintenance program. He is the lead Instructor Security Forces Close Precision Engagement Team-produces and is a trained mobility sniper. Larson is a long time member of the base shooting teams where he regularly earns top awards for marksmanship.
Larson serves as a member of his local American Legion in South Sioux City, Nebraska. He is a Den Leader with his local Cub Scout Pack and volunteers as part time member of Elk Point, SD Police Department as a weapons instructor.
Master Sgt. Amber Franco
Duty Title: Medical Technician
Unit: 185th ARW Medical Group
Highlights: Master Sgt. Franco completed her Master's Degree in Nursing Education and manages the medical group laboratory. Franco supervises and instructs members of the medical group in the base medical lab.
Franco is an Emergency Medical Technician who is described as a top notch Senior NCO who strives for maximum team effort and performance. As the laboratory supervisor she is credited for restructuring the lab routine for daily lab duties which increased morale and increases productivity, shortening lab processes for all unit members.