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
- NY Army National Guard Specialist Trevor Lock, a Lockport resident, wins statewide Best Warrior Competition
- NY Army Guard Col. John Sandefur, a Gansefoort resident, receives Legion of Merit as he retires after 36 years of service
- Two Airman assigned to NY Air Guard's 105th Airlift Wing brave cold during Minnesota training course
- Clifton Park Airman is named New York Air National Guard Company Grade Officer of the Year
- NY Air Guard's 109th Airlift Wing moves 1,086 passengers and millions of pounds of supplies across Antarctica during 2025-26 mission season
- NY National Guard's "Fighting 69th" Infantry leads New York's St. Patrick's Day Parade for the 175th Time
- NY Air Guard Senior Master Sgt. John McGhee, a Bay Shore resident, wins New York Air Guard statewide honor
- NY Air National Guard Col. Andrew J. Wineberger, a Southold resident, Retires from 106th Rescue Wing After 39 Years of Service
- Officer assigned to Troy-based 42nd Infantry Division dies of undetermined causes in a non-combat incident while serving in Kuwait
- NY National Guard announces the death of Major Sorffly Davius of non-combat causes while serving in Kuwait