CAMP CHAMBERLAIN, Maine -- The Maine Air National Guard celebrated its finest Airmen and civilians during the annual Outstanding Airmen and Best Warrior of the Year ceremony at Camp Chamberlain, Augusta, Maine, June 7, 2025, recognizing exceptional contributions from the 101st Air Refueling Wing, 243rd Engineering Installation Squadron, and 265th Combat Communications Squadron.
The Outstanding Airmen of the Year (OAY) ceremony is an annual event hosted by Air Force total force organizations to recognize and honor exceptional Airmen who demonstrate superior leadership, job performance, and personal achievement. The ceremony highlights their contributions to mission success, community service, and professional development. The OAY tradition underscores the Air Force’s commitment to fostering excellence, boosting morale, and inspiring Airmen to uphold the highest standards of service.
“I ask you, where does our true strength lie?” Brigadier General Ian Gillis, Commander of the Maine Air National Guard said. “It lies in our Soldiers and Airmen. They are the true magic that sets us apart and makes us who we are; truly outstanding organizations. We are here to recognize our Airmen who’ve demonstrated not only skills in their specialty, but who’ve gone above and beyond to support their wingmen and the mission.”
The ceremony highlighted Airmen whose exceptional performance and commitment to service exemplified the Maine Air National Guard’s core values. From operational excellence to community impact, the 2025 Outstanding Airmen of the Year from the 101st ARW, 243rd EIS, and 265th CBCS demonstrated unparalleled dedication, earning recognition as the state’s finest.
Senior Airman Joseph McNamara, 101st Operations Support Squadron, earned the Outstanding Airman of the Year title for reviving a five-year intelligence gap during a deployment to Camp Simba, Kenya, by establishing a multilateral network site, enhancing regional intelligence sharing.
Technical Sergeant Shannon O’Halloran, 243rd Engineering Installation Squadron, was named Outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for managing a $360 million network modernization project and organizing a charity drive for local schools.
Senior Master Sergeant Zachary Poulin, 265th Combat Communications Squadron, received the Outstanding Senior Non-Commissioned Officer award for leading cyber defense initiatives with Montenegro’s Ministry of Defense.
Master Sergeant Michael York, 243rd Engineering Installation Squadron, was honored as Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year for supporting Airmen’s financial stability and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.
Captain Aaron Pinkham, 101st Operations Group, and Airman 1st Class Eric Castonguay, 243rd Engineering Installation Squadron, were recognized as Company Grade Officer and Honor Guard Member of the Year, respectively, for their operational and ceremonial excellence.
Mr. Asa Honey, 101st Operations Support Squadron, received the Title 5 Civilian of the Year award for facilitating simulator relocation and boosting unit morale.
“I walk and work among some of the most professional and mission driven members in the Air National Guard,” SMSgt Zach Poulin said. “To even be considered in their ranks is an honor. And to any airman and NCO’s who are looking to make a difference, I’d say make that focus a passion that is clearly communicated to your leadership. If you are continuously striving to push the organization up, and you’re empowered by forward thinking leaders you can create epic change in a short amount of time.”
The ceremony, attended by distinguished guests including Sen. Brad Farin and Ms. Brenda Pennals, also recognized Army winners Staff Sgt. Zechariah Musselman and Pvt. 1st Class Robert Johnson. A group photo and coin presentation concluded the event.
The 2025 Outstanding Airmen and Best Warrior of the Year ceremony underscored the Maine Air National Guard’s legacy of excellence, with honorees from the 101st Air Refueling Wing, 243rd Engineering Installation Squadron, and 265th Combat Communications Squadron setting a high standard for service. Their achievements, celebrated alongside community leaders and families, strengthen the Maine National Guard’s mission and inspire future generations of Airmen.