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185th Airman Awarded Iowa Honor Guard Member of the Year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rich Murphy
  • 185th Public Affairs
Sioux City, IOWA --  During a ceremony honoring the members of the 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) Honor Guard, Senior Airman Preston Crandell was announced as the National Guard Honor Guard member of the year for Iowa.

Senior Airman Crandell, a native of LeMars, Iowa, is a Logistics Supply Technician for the 185th. He began serving in the 185th ARW Honor guard in February 2010. Since then, he has served in 21 details including funerals, flag presentations, and award ceremonies.

"I am in the Honor Guard because of the feeling you get when you do it," said Senior Airman Crandell. "When you do a funeral, you can feel the emotion. It is an honor to be a part of that."

At the ceremony, Col. Ed Sauley, 185th ARW Commander, commended Crandell and the 185th Honor guard Team. "When you are out in the community, you are the face of our organization," said Col. Sauley. "You represent us with honor and pride."

In addition to his work as a materials handler and an honor guard member, Senior Airman Crandell volunteers as a coach at North Middle School in Sioux City, Iowa. He helps out in football, baseball, soccer, and track. He also helped the 185th ARW Siouxland Leadership Summit, mentoring several eight graders.

"I enjoy working with kids. Both my parents are teachers and, had I not decided to serve in the military, I would have definitely been a teacher."

For more information about this award or to find out more about the 185th ARW Honor Guard, contact Master Sgt. Trisha Theisen at trisha.theisen@ang.af.mil.