SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Spencer Cox and the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) recognized military members at the second annual Servicemember of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday afternoon.

According to a news release, the purpose of the ceremony was to honor the outstanding performers from each branch of the military in the state representing the army, navy, air force, marines, space force, from reserve organizations to active duty.

“The awardees represent the best of the military in Utah,” Cox said in a news release. “Each one of them has a unique story and if they were asked for their comments, I am sure they would say a few things: first, that they are very appreciative and honored to receive the recognition; next, that there are so many others that should be recognized other than them, that they are humbled and a little embarrassed to be here, but mostly they would talk about working within such great organizations as a team, and this is really a team award.” 

Each March, every military organization in Utah submits nominees for 12 different award categories. The UDVMA reviews the nominees. Through a selection process, the winners are determined. 

The 2022 Servicemember of the Year winners are listed below:

• Military Service Award – Kearston Cutrubus
• Enlisted Member of the Year – Staff Sgt. Ciara Loman, Utah Air National Guard
• Non-commissioned Officer of the Year – Master Sgt. Sierra Beers, 419th Fighter Wing, Hill
• Senior Non-commissioned Officer – Master Sgt. Henry Matsouka, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill
• 1st Sgt of the Year – Master Sgt. Brian Carpenter, 75th Air Base Wing, Hill
• Honor Guard Member of the Year – Specialist Brian Jordan, Utah Army National Guard
• Warrant Officer of the Year – Cw2 Nicholas Pantuso, Utah Army National Guard
• Company Grade Officer of the Year – Captain Ryan Landon, Minuteman III program, Hill
• Field Grade Officer of the Year – Major Ryan Button, 75th Air Base Wing
• Civilian Member of the Year (Category I) – Anthony Bott, Tooele Army Depot
• Civilian Member of the Year (Category II) – David Veglia, Ogden Air Logistics Complex, Hill
• Civilian Member of the Year (Category III) – Dr. Carolyn Stwertka, GBSD Program, Hill

Read more:

• Utah Marine killed in Afghanistan laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery
• Utah National Guard to hold retirement ceremony for one of its own

 

 

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