Warrenton native Staff Sgt. Tyler Owenby, of the 131st Security Forces Squadron, has been named Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.The Missouri Air National Guard named its Outstanding Airmen of the Year awardees this month at the Missouri National Guard’s headquarters at Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City.The awardees were selected by a panel of chief master sergeants handpicked from around the state, said Missouri State Command Chief Master Sergeant Laura Clark.“Our leadership takes this recognition program very seriously, and because of the caliber of our airmen from around the state it’s always a very difficult decision to make,” Clark said. “Our airmen accomplished great things in 2013; the 139th Airlift Wing continued its role as a leader in the airlift community and supported numerous overseas deployments; the 157th Air Operations Group supported overseas exercises and provided command and control during spring flooding; and the 131st Bomb Wing passed its initial nuclear surety inspection earlier this year and achieved full operational capability in the nuclear, B-2 mission.”Owenby has distinguished himself both individually and as a team player, said his commander, Maj. Catherine Germain.As administrator of the headquarters’ drug testing program, Owenby plays a pivotal role in ensuring airmen are living up to the Air Force values.“Staff Sgt. Owenby has developed a tracking system that was key in reducing the number of overdue drug positive packets to zero,” Germain said. “He has also coordinated with Air and Army National Guard leadership to ensure personnel obtain proper treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.”As a member of the 131st Security Forces Squadron, Owenby participated in the Red Flag Exercise alongside members of the active duty 509th Bomb Wing, Germain said. He also participated in the 157th Air Operations Group’s Terminal Fury Exercise and provided security for Jefferson Barracks.The airman will go on to represent the Missouri Air National Guard at the national competition in early 2014, Clark said.

Staff Sgt. Tyler Owenby is presented an eagle trophy by 131st Bomb Wing commander Col. Michael Francis and 131st Bomb Wing command Chief Master Sgt. Paul Carney during a ceremony at Whiteman AFB in December. Owenby was chosen by the 131st Bomb Wing and the Missouri Air National Guard as the noncommissioned officer of the year for 2013. Submitted photo.