NY Air Guard Master Sgt. Jeff Hayes, a Glens Falls native, is 109th Airlift Wing First Sergeant of the Year

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Master Sgt. Jeff Hayes

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, SCOTIA, NEW YORK (01/08/2026) (readMedia)-- Master Sgt. Jeff Hayes, a residnet of Saratoga Springs, New York, has been named the 109th Airlift Wing First Sergeant of the Year for his exceptional leadership and dedication to Airmen and their families.

Hayes earned the honor following his service as the sole first sergeant supporting Operation Deep Freeze, a multinational mission in Antarctica. He improved morale and living conditions for 260 service members, recognized top performers, and supported more than 30 missions. His efforts were recognized by joint task force leadership and earned him a personal coin from a Navy Seabee commander.

In the Air Force, a first sergeant serves as the senior enlisted leader of a unit, responsible for the health, morale, welfare, and readiness of the enlisted members. They act as a liaison between commanders and Airmen, help resolve personal and professional issues, and ensure the unit is mission-ready.

Hayes' role as the 109th Airlift Wing's sole full-time first sergeant involves overseeing nearly 800 Airmen across seven squadrons.

At the wing, Hayes organizes retirements and promotions, responds to on-call events, and leads community and volunteer initiatives, including programs with the City Mission of Schenectady and the wing's first maintenance family day, which hosted hundreds of Airmen and family members.

Hayes' selection highlights the critical role first sergeants play in maintaining mission readiness, supporting Airmen, and strengthening communities across the 109th Airlift Wing.