NY Air Guard Staff Sgt. Matthew Bauman, a Marilla resident, named Outstanding Airman of the Year
Local servicemember selected best among 5,800 member NY Air National Guard in Airman category
Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, NY (03/16/2021) — New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Matthew Bauman, a Marilla resident, and a member of the 107th Attack Wing, has been named Outstanding Airmen of the Year by the senior enlisted leaders of the 5,800- member New York Air National Guard.
Bauman serves as an aerospace medical technician in the 107th Attack Wing's Medical Group. The wing, which operates the MQ-9 remotely operated aircraft, is based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.
Bauman was selected by a board made up of senior enlisted leaders from across the New York Air National Guard, said Command Chief Master Sgt. Denny Richardson, the senior enlisted leader for the New York Air National Guard.
The selection reflects Bauman's potential as well as his accomplishments to date, Richardson said.
The New York National Guard picks four Airmen of the Year annually in the categories of First Sergeant, Airman, Non-Commissioned Officer and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.
Bauman distinguished himself for his leadership during the New York State COVID-19 response.
He served as the lead for the airport COVID-19 contact tracing teams which collected forms from travelers arriving in New York.
Bauman also performed more than 1,145 swabs and 667 medical screenings himself and oversaw more than 58,000 samples collected during his time served.
Bauman enlisted in the 107th Attack Wing in October of 2015 after earning his Doctorate of Chiropractic Medicine from D'Youville College in Buffalo in 2012.
"He is very proud to be in the military and he shines the most while he is involved on a specific mission," said Senior Master Sgt. Jeannie Mang, a health systems technician in the medical group. "He is always striving to be his best."
Bauman volunteers his time to both unit members and the community. He conducted mock interview boards for his peers and coordinated a community program that delivered 1,800 meals to two homeless shelters.
"He is very kind and caring and administers chiropractic care to his fellow Airmen at no-cost," Mang said. "He is truly a selfless leader and we are proud of this recent accomplishment."
When not treating patients Bauman volunteers as a collegiate pitching coach instructing athletes in biomechanics, strength conditioning, and game management.
Bauman's awards also include the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Media Attachments
New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Matthew Bauman
New York National Guard
Master Sgt. Brandy Fowler, (716) 236-3279Share this Story
Recent News
- Air Guard Lt. Col. Michael Rutigliano, a Melbville resident, honored after 30-year career during June 6 retirement ceremony
- New York Air Guard Colonel Glyn Weir, a Cutchogue resident, retires after 34 years of service during June 6 ceremony
- NY Army National Guard marks the Army's 251st Birthday with a birthday cake cutting ceremony on Friday, June 12
- Colonel Christopher Weisshaar Assumes Command of 107th Attack Wing During June 6 Ceremony at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station
- 107th Attack Wing Welcomes New Commander With Formal Assumption of Command Ceremony on Saturday, June 6
- Colt Brumm, a Barneveld resident and civilian employee at the Eastern Air Defense Sector is the Air Guard Civil Safety Professional of the Year for 2026
- Syracuse resident Tyler Swartz, recognized for excellent work by National Guard
- Hampton Bays resident Jesse J. Fritz promoted to colonel in the New York Air National Guard
- Schroon Lake resident Andrew Valenza promoted to sergeant first class in New York Army National Guard
- New York Naval Militia conducts training in the Hudson River from May 30 to June 2 near Iona Island.