Illinois Air National Guard Airman of the Year recognized during National Guard Association Conference

By Master Sgt. Ken Stephens, 126th Air Refueling Wing

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CHICAGO (08/24/2014)(readMedia)-- One of the top rated Airmen for the Illinois Air National Guard was recognized by the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force during the 136th National Guard Association of the United States General Conference in Chicago on Aug. 23.

Tech. Sgt. Steven Greenleaf, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, received a commander's challenge coin from Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the Air Force's highest ranking officer, in a personal, one-on-one meeting at the conference.

While commenting on Greenleaf's civilian occupation and how it compliments his National Guard duties, Welsh said, "That's one of the strengths of the Guard. They come in with other skills, see problems we don't, and then they fix them."

Greenleaf, an engineering assistant craftsman with the 183rd Civil Engineer Squadron, part of the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield, Illinois, was chosen as the 2014 Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year by the Illinois Air National Guard. The selection was based on job performance, personal development and community service.

"It's great for individuals to be recognized for their work," said Greenleaf, "and it's also a reflection on the excellence of their team."

Greenleaf has volunteered for five deployments since enlisting in the National Guard in 2002. His most recent tour was to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan in 2013 where he was chosen as the Warrior of the Week for his engineering work supporting Air Force facility and maintenance programs.

He continues to be involved in the local community, volunteering his time with homeless shelters and the Humane Society. He also assists forensic and Geobase class students at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville where he graduated in 2013.

Photo 1: Tech. Sgt. Steven Greenleaf, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, received a commander's challenge coin from Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the Air Force's highest ranking officer, in a personal, one-on-one meeting during the National Guard of the United States Conference in Chicago on Aug. 23. Greenleaf was recently chosen as the 2014 Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the Illinois Air National Guard. /Illinois Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens, 126th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Photo 2: Tech. Sgt. Steven Greenleaf, of Glen Carbon, Illinois (right), talks to Gen. Mark A. Welsh III (left), after receiving a commander's challenge coin from Welsh, the Air Force's highest ranking officer. Greenleaf, the 2014 Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the Illinois Air National Guard, was recognized during the National Guard of the United States Conference in Chicago on Aug. 23. / Illinois Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens, 126th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Photo 3: Tech. Sgt. Steven Greenleaf (right), of Glen Carbon, Illinois, received a commander's coin from Gen. Mark A. Welsh III (left), the Air Force's highest ranking officer during the National Guard of the United States Conference in Chicago on Aug. 23. Greenleaf is the 2014 Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the Illinois Air National Guard. / Illinois Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens, 126th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at

ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@mail.mil

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