Hagar named Kentucky Air Guard First Sergeant of the Year Published March 3, 2018 By Master Sgt. Vicky Spesard 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Senior Master Sgt. Michael Shawn Hagar of the 123rd Medical Group has been selected as the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 2018 First Sergeant of the Year.Hagar, who has served as first sergeant for seven years, is the principal advisor to the medical group commander on all issues related to the enlisted members. He is instrumental in providing a mission-ready enlisted force, and quick to resolve issues that could adversely impact the readiness of the medical group enlisted personnel.“For the 24 years of my being a part of the medical group, Shawn has been the best first sergeant we have ever had,” said Senior Master Sgt. Kenny Richards, medical group superintendent.“He always has the enlisted troops at the forefront, providing mentorship and leadership to the enlisted force.”Over the past year, Hagar spent countless hours and personal resources to plan, organize and prepare enlisted team-building events such as off-duty group excursions and a holiday party that resulted in significantly improved unit morale.The first sergeant also implemented a new text messaging tool allowing faster communication to group members, revived the medical group’s junior enlisted council and led unit Recognition Day efforts ensuring award presentations and activities were planned and executed.“Working with people and seeing them develop into leaders is what gives me the most satisfaction in this position,” Hagar said. “I also love to cook, so anytime I can get the enlisted folks together and cook for them is a great time to mentor.”Hagar will be honored at the Kentucky National Guard’s Soldier and Airman of the Year Banquet, to be held tonight in Louisville.