SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- 114th Fighter Wing First Sergeants recognized nine deserving Airmen throughout the unit with the 2015 Diamond Sharp Award on Jan. 10, 2016, at Joe Foss Field, S.D.

2015 Diamond Sharp Award winners:

Master Sgt. Kevin Winter--AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SQUADRON

Tech. Sgt. Danny Oaks--HEADQUARTERS SOUTH DAKOTA AIR NATIONAL GUARD

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Bones - CIVIL ENGINEERING SQUADRON

Tech. Sgt. Nick Blumer--MAINTENANCE SQUADRON

Tech. Sgt. Jacklynn Small--LOGISTICS READINESS SQUADRON

Tech. Sgt. Rachel VanBeek--MEDICAL GROUP

Senior Airman Aaron Engebretson--SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON

Senior Airman Jason Collins--MISSION SUPPORT GROUP

Airman 1st Class Alexis Horstman - OPERATIONS SUPPORT SQUADRON

"One tool of praise, the Diamond Sharp Award, is recognized Air Force wide," said Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Greer, 114th FW first sergeant. "By authority of their commanders, each 114th FW first sergeant's and South Dakota Headquarters first sergeant has the unique honor to annually present the Diamond Sharp Award to a deserving Airman."

Nominations for the award are made by squadron first sergeants and front line supervisors for each Airman's specific achievements and persistent excellence. The award is not limited to a rank or position.

"The Diamond Sharp Award is the first sergeants personal award and it requires great responsibility to award an Airmen adhering to our Air Force core values," said Greer. "It also includes assessing proper unit training assembly attendance, passing scores on career development course's and physical training, the four solid pillars: mental, social, physical, and spiritual health, and above average job performance,"

According to Greer, Diamond Sharp Award recipients are normally a 'poster model' for the Air National Guard and a well-rounded individual, but there is no formal nomination process and there are no critical prerequisites.

For more information on the Diamond Sharp Award, contact your unit's first sergeant.