STRATTON ANGB, N.Y. -- Senior Airman Nicole Scipione Named 109th Airlift Wing Outstanding Airman of the Year
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. — Senior Airman Nicole Scipione, an air transportation specialist from Albany, New York, has been named the 109th Airlift Wing Outstanding Airman of the Year for her exceptional performance while deployed in support of joint and coalition operations in Southwest Asia.
Deployed to an undisclosed location, Scipione worked alongside coalition partners in a complex international environment, enabling the movement of more than 8,500 short tons of cargo across four areas of responsibility and supporting more than 1,000 airlift missions. She also conducted strategic forecasting for mission-critical equipment, ensuring efficient and uninterrupted operations.
Scipione played a key role in special handling operations, assisting with joint inspections that expedited the movement of 13,000 tons of Army brigade cargo valued at $330,000. Her efforts earned her a personal coin from the Army’s 3rd Security Force Brigade commander.
Beyond mission execution, Scipione demonstrated exceptional leadership and service. While deployed, she volunteered more than 80 hours supporting community and base organizations, assisted with two dignified transfer of remains operations, and mentored 35 Airmen. Her dedication earned her the Airman of the Week distinction at her deployed location.
In addition to her deployment, Scipione was also hand-selected to support the Agile Spartan exercise, the Air Force’s largest Agile Combat Employment exercise, and earned the only perfect score at Load Planning School.
Her performance reflects the professionalism and dedication of the Airmen assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing.
Wynantskill Resident Tech. Sgt. Derek Rivers Named 109th Airlift Wing Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE,, N.Y. — Tech. Sgt. Derek Rivers, an aero maintenance technician and resident of Wynantskill, New York, has been named the 109th Airlift Wing Noncommissioned Officer of the Year in recognition of his exceptional leadership, operational excellence and community involvement.
Rivers earned the honor following an 88-day deployment supporting Operation Deep Freeze, where he played a key role in sustaining polar airlift operations in one of the world’s most austere environments. During the deployment, he helped enable the movement of more than 2.2 million pounds of cargo and 1.2 million pounds of fuel, directly contributing to mission success in Antarctica.
During the operation, Rivers decisively responded to an in-flight emergency involving an LC-130 aircraft. He rapidly identified and sourced a replacement engine-driven hydraulic pump and led repairs that restored full mission capability within six hours, preventing significant mission delays and preserving strategic polar airlift operations.
Rivers also spearheaded logistical planning for the first continental U.S.-based LC-130 depot, streamlining maintenance operations for 12 contractors. His efforts resulted in a $2.2 million cost savings for the wing.
Beyond mission execution, Rivers demonstrated exceptional leadership during a New York State Department of Corrections strike, where he assisted joint forces in restoring order and coordinating critical supply runs.
Rivers also strengthened community ties through volunteer leadership. He organized a rally and wreath-laying ceremony at Saratoga National Cemetery to honor fallen service members and, as president of the Down Range Veterans Motorcycle Club, helped raise more than $15,000 to support veterans and preserve military heritage.
Within his unit, Rivers enhanced readiness and accountability by serving as squadron physical training leader and vehicle control officer, improving fitness compliance, vehicle availability and on-base safety.
Rivers’ achievements highlight the vital role citizen-Airmen play in defending the nation while serving their local communities.
Master Sgt. Jeff Hayes, a Glens Falls native, named 109th Airlift Wing First Sergeant of the Year
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE,, N.Y. — Master Sgt. Jeff Hayes, a resident of Saratoga Springs, New York, has been named the 109th Airlift Wing First Sergeant of the Year for his exceptional leadership and dedication to Airmen and their families.
Hayes earned the honor following his service as the sole first sergeant supporting Operation Deep Freeze, a multinational mission in Antarctica. He improved morale and living conditions for 260 service members, recognized top performers, and supported more than 30 missions. His efforts were recognized by joint task force leadership and earned him a personal coin from a Navy Seabee commander.
In the military, a first sergeant serves as the senior enlisted leader of a unit, responsible for the health, morale, welfare, and readiness of the enlisted members. They act as a liaison between commanders and Airmen, help resolve personal and professional issues, and ensure the unit is mission-ready. Hayes’ role as the 109th Airlift Wing’s sole full-time first sergeant involves overseeing nearly 800 Airmen across seven squadrons.
At the wing, Hayes organizes retirements and promotions, responds to on-call events, and leads community and volunteer initiatives, including programs with the City Mission of Schenectady and the wing’s first maintenance family day, which hosted hundreds of Airmen and family members.
Hayes’ selection highlights the critical role first sergeants play in maintaining mission readiness, supporting Airmen, and strengthening communities across the 109th Airlift Wing.
Capt. Anton Andriyanov, a Clifton park resident, named Company Grade Officer of the Year
STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE,, N.Y. — Capt. Anton Andriyanov, a civil engineer and Clifton park resident, has been selected as the 109th Airlift Wing’s Company Grade Officer of the Year in recognition of his exceptional leadership, mission execution and resource management while supporting operations at home and abroad.
During a deployment to Israel, Andriyanov led a $31 million construction program across two forward operating bases, overseeing 15 simultaneous infrastructure projects that enhanced U.S. and allied combat readiness. He resolved 10 critical construction permit delays by negotiating with Israeli defense officials and senior leaders, enabling $10.5 million in stalled projects to move forward.
Andriyanov also oversaw the vetting and selection of an architect and engineering firm to design the wing’s first Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, creating a secure environment for communications with strategic partners and allies.
While deployed, Andriyanov ensured mission success for 30 Army and Air Force personnel by providing short-notice support services and coordinating shared-use agreements that strengthened U.S.-Israel cooperation. He represented U.S. forces during 24 embassy engagements, briefing more than 130 senior military officials to improve cross-agency coordination.
Following his deployment, Andriyanov authored the first installation development plan for a forward operating base in Israel, establishing standardized construction practices across the theater. Upon returning to New York, he secured funding for four construction projects.
Beyond his military duties, Andriyanov supported his local community by coordinating transportation and equipment for a home-school sports team, helping 10 children develop teamwork and social skills.
Andriyanov also completed the requirements for his Professional Engineer certification, further enhancing the technical capability of the 109th Airlift Wing.