JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- More than 100 members of the 477th Fighter Group gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of 2016 and honor the year’s annual award winners.
“What a year,” said Col. Christopher D. Ogren, 477th Fighter Group Commander, during his open remarks. “While we celebrate, we can’t forget the sun doesn’t set on our Air Force. Right now, Citizen Airmen continue to apply air power 24/7, 365 days a year, with our distinct flavor of air dominance, to those who stand in the way of our National Interests.”
The group was honored to host U.S. Senator for Alaska, Dan Sullivan, who served as key-note speaker for the event.
“William “Billy” Mitchell once states ‘whoever holds Alaska will hold the world.’” Sullivan said. “That statement was true then and continues to be true today.” He rounded out his remarks stating members of the 477th Fighter group have the coolest reservist job out there, which was met by a standing ovation.
The mission of the 477th Fighter Group is to deliver air dominance through mission ready Airmen. As a Classic Associate unit, the 477th Fighter Group leverages the traditional Reserve component strengths of experience, stability and continuity to fly, fight, and win. Seven 477th Airmen were honored for their exceptional performance doing just that in 2016:
477 FG Airman of the Year-Senior Airman (now SSgt.) Jordan Gosteli
477 FG NCO of the Year-Staff Sgt. Michela Dahm
477 FG SNCO of the Year-Master Sgt. Jessica Mattice
477 FG CGO of the Year-Second Lt. Joshua Keyfauver
477 FG FGO of the Year-Maj. Ryan Pelkola
477 FG First Sgt. of the Year-Master Sgt. Kanya Briner
477 FG Civilian of the Year-Patricia Lizama
477 FG FGO of the Year - Maj. Ryan Pelkola
477 FG First Sgt of the Year - Master Sgt. Kanya Briner
477 FG Civilian of the Year- Mrs. Patricia Lizama
I feel lucky to lead you fine Airmen into 2017 as your fighter group commander,” said Ogren. “I feel lucky to be here in the Last Frontier, acknowledging our Outstanding Airmen of 2016.”