AFSA recognizes Grand Forks duo as best of the year

Published April 12, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Two Airmen from the 319th Air Base Wing were recognized for their outstanding service by the Air Force Sergeants Association Division 89 during a convention held April 2 in Oklahoma City.

Tech. Sgt. Jeffery Rueben was named as the NCO of the Year and Staff Sgt. Eric Hurtado, a senior airman at the time, was named as the Airman of the Year. Both awards were for 2011.

Rueben and Hurtado were recognized as members of Chapter 964, one of 15 chapters across the Midwest that make up Division 89.

Rueben has been a member of AFSA for more than eight years and currently serves as president of Chapter 964 -- the smallest of the 15 -- where he leads and serves more than 350 active Airmen on base. He organized and spearheaded multiple base events, raising nearly $2,000 for Wing initiatives, and conducted 24 AFSA briefs for more than 600 Airmen here.

"This award is special because I feel the AFSA community has been the movers and shakers of the Air Force," said Rueben, a firefighter with the 319th Civil Engineering Squadron. "To be selected as one of their best is truly an honor."

Hurtado served as a contracting specialist and Chapter 964 secretary during his four years here before receiving orders to Travis AFB, Calif., where he was presented the award among members of his current unit, the 571st Global Mobility Readiness Squadron.

"It always feels great to receive the recognition, but also feels strange to be singled out," said Hurtado, who was selected among 476 junior enlisted AFSA members. "I am thankful to be esteemed by my Air Force brethren.

"Receiving the award made me feel nostalgic because I was a Warrior of the North for four years. Grand Forks was my first duty station and the basis for all of my experiences and successes," he added.

Both Rueben and Hurtado said they value the opportunity to represent the AFSA and encourage all Airmen to be a part.

"When you join the AFSA, you are affecting the entire Air Force because you are fighting for our benefits on Capitol Hill," Rueben said.

"The AFSA is great because it encompasses Airmen that are Active Duty, Reserve, Guard and retired," said Hurtado. "It is leading the charge for our rights and I truly feel that every Airman has a dog in this fight."

Both Rueben and Hurtado will next go on to compete at a worldwide level in August, where the winners will be presented by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.