Armed Services YMCA of Alaska 32nd Annual Salute to the Military

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rhiannon Willard
  • 477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- --  On Friday, February 20th, the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska hosted its 32nd Annual Salute to the Military at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. 

The Salute to the Military promotes awareness of military performance and service through the combined efforts of the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska and the Anchorage community. This sold-out banquet event hosted more than 600 guests as 12 of Alaska's Service People of the Year are recognized for outstanding achievements. 

The Outstanding Service People of the Year included Air Force Reservist of the Year, Tech. Sgt. Ryan R. Dillon, 477th Civil Engineer Squadron. 

"It was a total surprise to hear that I was being recognized. I see people working so hard in the Reserve, I just try to keep up," commented Sgt. Dillon when asked about how he felt about being chosen. 

The Salute to the Military is an outstanding example of a program that promotes awareness of military performance and service through the combined efforts of the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska and the Anchorage Community. 

Tech. Sgt. Gerald Hedstrom has nothing but great things to say about his troop.

"Not only does he do exceptional work in his primary job of Power Production, but he also takes care of all the computers for the 477 CES. He comes in on his own time, when he is not getting paid, to work," says Sgt. Hedstrom. 

Sgt. Dillon will be deploying in March with the 477th Civil Engineer Squadron. The 477 CES will deploy for the first time since World War II. They are the only Air Force Reserve civil engineer squadron in Alaska and are assigned to the 477th Fighter Group. 

"I will miss the Alaska summer we all look forward to, but I am deploying with all my Air Force Reserve friends. Some I have known for over nine years. For me, it is easier to have familiar faces in an unfamiliar place," said Sgt. Dillon.


Arctic Reservist and Warrior of the Week

1. Rank, full name: Tech. Sgt. Ryan Dillon
2. Organization and duty title: 477th CES Power Production Craftsman
3. Hometown: Anchorage AK
4. Hobbies: Skiing, biking, taking the dog for hikes
5. How do you contribute to the Total Force mission: Deploying in support the AEF
6. What is the best part of your job: Never a dull moment
7. How long have you been stationed at Elmendorf: 15 years
8. Time in the Air Force: 16 years
9. Best part about being in Alaska: people