The 914th Air Refueling Wing at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is celebrating SMSgt. Jose Pagan Jr.'s selection as the Air Force First Sergeant of the Year.
Pagan was nominated for the award while he was First Sergeant of the 914th Maintenance Squadron. He is now First Sergeant for the 914th Air Refueling Wing.
The award, recognizing important contributions and leadership qualities, is based on impact on mission readiness and execution, fostering resilience and teams in community, while developing self and others.
Pagan was selected from among hundreds of nominees across the USAF active, guard and reserve forces.
"Among his list of accomplishments, he received the Bronze Star for planning and executing an evacuation during an Operation Marty Soleimani attack that safeguarded the lives of 155 Airmen," according to the base. "Additionally, he tackled widespread pay issues, reducing late payments by 82%, and pioneered the first Central Command multi-national leadership course which helped bolster the alliance between U.S. and coalition forces."
WBFO's Marian Hetherly contributed to this story.
