Smith named Kentucky Air Guard’s First Sergeant of the Year

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua Horton
  • 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. --  Master Sgt. Alan Smith of the 123rd Civil Engineer Squadron has been selected as the Kentucky Air National Guard's 2015 First Sergeant of the Year.

"He is an extremely valuable and productive asset to the 123rd Civil Engineer Squadron," said Chief Master Sgt. Marty Fautz, the unit's chief enlisted manager. "He's always here and takes a huge amount of pride in his work and taking care of his people."

In the past year, Smith has resolved many medical, pay and personal issues amongst enlisted personnel, working diligently to raise money for Airmen in need, and counseled family members in two quickly developing medical events, preventing harm and ensuring proper action. He is also a highly respected leader for enlisted matters in the squadron and acts as an advisor to other first sergeants in the wing. 

"Alan goes a step beyond the normal first shirt," said Lt. Col. Phillip Howard, commander of the 123rd Civil Engineer Squadron. "He spends extra time here at the squadron to get things done and comes over even when he's not working. He's very good with people. He knows how to speak their language and understand where they're coming from. That's a talent that not everybody has."

Smith will be honored at the Kentucky National Guard's Soldier and Airman of the Year Banquet to be held March 5 in Louisville.