Thompson named KYANG First Sergeant of the Year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chloe Ochs
  • 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Master Sgt. Joshua Thompson of the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron has been selected as the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 2022 First Sergeant of the Year.

As first sergeant, Thompson is responsible for providing direction for the 56 Airmen comprising the squadron’s enlisted force and representing their interests to the squadron commander. Thompson also advises the commander and senior enlisted leaders on issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale and proper utilization of the enlisted force.

According to Lt. Col. James Campbell, commander of the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, when the term ‘Whole Airman Concept’ is uttered, “Josh Thompson is the first person that comes to mind. He optimizes the Whole Airman Concept for his superior record of accomplishments, Airman care and accountability — simply outstanding in every aspect of military service.

“Josh is a true family man,” Campbell added. “A beacon for others to follow. Master Sgt. Thompson is devoted to the Air Force core values, self-improvement, camaraderie and esprit de corps.”

Over the past year, Thompson amassed more than 500 hours as an instructor at Maintenance University, leading 325 service members through 12 days of training events and increasing the squadron’s overall aircraft proficiency.
According to Campbell, Thompson also led the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s Key Spouse Program and put in more than 100 volunteer hours striving for the betterment of the squadron’s enlisted force and their families.

Prior to his role as first sergeant, Thompson served in the 123rd Emergency Management Flight for more than 13 years. During that time, he deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011. He most recently deployed to Kuwait in 2018, supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Thompson was hired onto the Louisville Metro Police Department in 2009 as a patrol officer in the 2nd Division. He went on to serve as a detective and training academy staff.