FARGO, N.D. -- The North Dakota Air National Guard, nicknamed the “Happy Hooligans”, recognized the organization’s top enlisted Airmen of the year on March 7, during its 2025 Airman of Year recognition ceremony. The event was held at the Fargo Air Museum in Fargo, N.D.Airmen were nominated for the awards based on their military and community service throughout 2025. Awards were presented for Outstanding Airman of the Year; Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year; and Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Additional recognition was presented for Company Grade Officer of the Year, Field Grade Officer of the Year, and First Sergeant of the Year.Distinguished guests included Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, North Dakotaadjutant general, N.D. senior Air National Guard enlisted leaders, and former North Dakota adjutants general. The ceremony was attended by members of the 119th Wing and was live-streamed.“To our nominees and our award winners--congratulations,” said Col. Christopher Domitrovich 119th Wing commander. “You represent the very best of the 119th Wing. You are the embodiment of what we proudly call the Hooligan Way.”The three Outstanding Airmen of the Year winners as follows: Outstanding Airman of the Year – Senior Airman Amaya NauertzNauertz enlisted in the North Dakota Air National Guard in 2022 and serves as an cyptologic analyst and reporter, in the 119th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group.Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year – Tech. Sgt. Hunter EvansonEvanson joined the North Dakota Air National Guard in 2013 and serves as a ground control station maintenance craftsman in the 119th Operations Group.Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year – Senior Master Sgt. Sam Dibble Dibble joined the North Dakota Air National Guard in 2007 and serves as intelligence superintendent in the 119th Operations Squadron.
In addition to the Airmen of the Year, Senior Master Sgt. Joe Solberg was named First Sergeant of the Year, which recognizes the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by first sergeants in the Air Force.The Company Grade Officer of the Year was awarded to Capt Justin Mattson. Mattson enlisted in the North Dakota Air National Guard in 2004 and serves as the assistant director of operations for the 119th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. The Field Grade Officer of the Year was awarded to Maj Jordan Wobbema. Wobbema enlisted in the North Dakota Air National Guard in 2006 and serves as the director of operations in the 178th Attack Squadron.