One Sergeant, One Unit, Two Massive National Awards: Kentucky's Air Guard Just Proved They're America's Elite

Kentucky Air Guard Unit and Airman Earn Top National Honors

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In a stunning display of operational excellence, the Kentucky Air National Guard has just secured two of the nation's most prestigious awards in the high-stakes world of contingency response, cementing its status as a leader within the U.S. military.

The 123rd Contingency Response Support Squadron (CRSS), based in Louisville, has been officially named the Expeditionary Operations Unit of the Year for 2024. This major award, presented by the National Guard Bureau, recognizes the 123rd CRSS as the top-performing unit of its kind in the entire nation. These elite teams are the military's first responders, capable of deploying globally at a moment's notice to establish fully functional airfields and logistical hubs in the most austere and challenging environments.

This award acknowledges the squadron's unparalleled readiness, expertise, and successful execution of complex missions throughout the past year. Their ability to rapidly project airpower and humanitarian aid anywhere on the globe is a critical component of America's defense and disaster relief strategy.

But the accolades didn't stop there. In a remarkable individual achievement, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Chapman, a command-and-control specialist with the sister 123rd Contingency Response Squadron, was singled out for his exceptional skill and dedication. Chapman has been named the Junior Expeditionary Operations Performer of the Year for 2024.

This honor highlights Chapman's outstanding performance as a junior non-commissioned officer in a field that demands precision, quick thinking, and leadership under pressure. As a command-and-control expert, he is responsible for the critical communications and operational oversight that ensure missions succeed, often with limited resources and in remote locations.

Both honors were bestowed as part of the National Guard Bureau’s annual Global Air Mobility Support System Awards, which identify the best of the best among units and personnel dedicated to ensuring the U.S. Air Force can operate anywhere, anytime.

For the Kentucky Air National Guard, this dual victory is a monumental achievement. It underscores a culture of excellence and a deep commitment to the mission, proving that the Airmen of the Bluegrass State are not just participants on the national stage—they are setting the standard.