AUGUSTA — Limestone native Senior Airman Travis R. Stewart was recently presented the 2012 Outstanding Airman of the Year Award during a ceremony at the Augusta Armory on March 4. The Outstanding Airman of the Year Award is the highest personal ribbon awarded in the Air Force and was established by the Secretary of the Air Force and first awarded in 1970 to honor the most deserving of the Air National Guard’s airmen.
Stewart is a Security Forces Journeyman assigned to the Security Forces Squadron as a Base Defense Operation Center controller at the 101st Maine Air National Guard, located in Bangor.
“My sincerest congratulations and thanks go out to Senior Airman Travis R. Stewart,” said Governor Paul LePage, who attended the event alongside Adjutant Major General John W. Libby, Peter Ogden of the department of Defense, and members of the Maine Air National Guard and their families. Three other Airmen — MSgt. Chad E. Smith, MSgt. Howard H. Gooldrup III and SSgt. Joel T. Crowley — were also honored during the event for demonstrating exemplary service in the Maine Air National Guard.
“All the award recipients today have shown exemplary character, loyalty, and dedicated service and they all deserve our thanks and praise for the sacrifices they make on our behalf,” the Governor added.
Stewart was born March 22, 1986 in Limestone, Maine at Loring Air Force Base where his father was stationed. After his father’s reassignment to the 101st Air Refueling Wing, he attended Brewer High School, graduating May 2004. After graduation, Stewart moved to South Portland to attend Southern Maine Community College where he was enrolled in the computer technology program until December 2005.
Stewart became a member of the Maine Air National Guard on Nov. 27, 2007 and departed for basic training on March 11, 2008.
After completion of basic training and the Security Forces Academy, Airman Stewart enrolled at Husson University in the criminal justice program. He became an inducted member of the Alpha Phi Sigma, the national criminal justice honor society and went on to graduate with a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice, December 2010.
Stewart’s high caliber of work ethic was noticed not only in school, but in the military as well. During a February 2009 Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection, he received outstanding performance as the Command Post Entry Controller and was presented with a Command Chief Master Sergeant Coin. Airman Stewart’s exemplary performance and professionalism contributed to his selection for numerous security details for higher protection level resources to include; Senior Executive and Presidential security.
In the past year, Airman Stewart has been actively enhancing his professional development by attending various courses which have helped shape him into a knowledgeable asset to the unit.
“Today’s event was to recognize four courageous individuals who have made the State of Maine very proud,” Gov. LePage said. “I thank all of our men and women in uniform for their honorable and courageous service to our State and Nation. These service members and their families make tremendous sacrifices to ensure that we are safe here at home.”
