CONCORD, N.H. –
The New Hampshire National Guard held its 388th birthday celebration and annual awards ceremony Dec. 13, 2024, at the Edward Cross Training Complex in Pembroke.
The youngest and oldest guardsmen, Pfc. Killiam MacPherson and Chief Master Sgt. Paul Lawrence (standing in for Lt. Col. Peter Degnan), joined Brig. Gen. Erik Fessenden, director of the joint staff, for a traditional cake cutting.
The day was officially declared “New Hampshire National Guard Day” by Gov. Chris Sununu.
“I commend the New Hampshire National Guard for their service to our state and national and thank them for all they do to support our communities,” said Sununu in a written proclamation read on his behalf.
The NHNG recognized top military and civilian performers for 2024.
For the N.H. Army Guard:
Soldier of the Year: Spc. George Munson
Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Staff Sgt. Bradford Roberts
Recruiting Rookie of the Year: Staff Sgt. Richard Debarros
Recruiting Expert of the Year: Staff Sgt. Steven Pierce
Top Production Recruiter of the Year: Staff Sgt. Mark Hayward
TAG Match Grand Champion: Capt. Robert Matzelle
TAG Match Novice Champion: Maj. Rich Brown
Top Army Combat Fitness Test Score (Female): Spc. Nicole Skare
Top Army Combat Fitness Test Score (Male): Capt. Robert Matzelle
Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. James Kelly
Company Grade Warrant Officer of the Year: CW2 John Blair
Supply NCO of the Year: Staff Sgt. Denis McElreavy
For the N.H. Air Guard:
Airman of the Year: Airman 1st Class Ryan Greco
Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Staff Sgt. Aspen Dyer
Senior NCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Kraig Hoag
First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Just Rasmusson
Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Jonathan Febonio
Spirit of Hope Award: Senior Airman Jillian Gusciora
Title 5 Employee of the Year: Derek Small
For State Employees:
Program Assistant, State Business Office: Helen Champa
Plant Maintenance Engineer, CFMO: Michael Hashem
Maintenance Mechanic, CFMO: Zachary Call
Environmental Analyst, CFMO: Kimberly Osorio
Grants Program Coordinator, Division of Community-Based Military Programs: Heather Smith