BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Massachusetts -- Technical Sergeant Emery McClinton, 104th Logistics Readiness material manager, recently won the 2019 Massachusetts Air National Guard Non-Commissioned Officer of-the-year award.
McClinton was nominated for the state-level award after receiving the 104th Fighter Wing NCO of the year award in January at the wing awards banquet.
During the 2019 Reserve Component Period deployment to Air Forces African Command, McClinton was vital to the mission’s success. McClinton oversaw material management operations for various bases all over the continent, he said.
Leading up to the RCP, McClinton was also essential in outfitting all the 104 FW members that went down range. Since many of the LRS members were deployed, McClinton and other members had to cover many positions to ensure everyone was ready for the RCP, he said.
“It was definitely a challenge, but it was something that our team back here could definitely handle,” said McClinton.
Colonel Peter T. Green III, 104th Fighter Wing commander, said that the competition for the state level NCO of the year was tough, but McClinton rose to the top.
“I know all of your fellow Logistics Readiness Squadron members and all of our Barnestormers are very proud of you,” said Green.
McClinton said that his achievement was part of a bigger, whole Air Force picture. It took everyone coming together for the mission to succeed.
“I really did have really great leadership on both ends; down range and home station that were supportive the whole way throughout that six month process, which played a big part into why I got this award,” said McClinton.