Master Sergeant Eric Hanson

Master Sgt Eric Hanson, security supervisor for the 16th Special Operations Wing, exemplifies what a "Quiet Professional" is all about. "He has got the right priorities: mission, troops and the community," said his squadron commander. He was hand-picked to conduct site surveys of classified locations to be used in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Yet, his commander says, "He will not get the glory that is usually associated when bullets start flying . . . and he will never complain about it." From leading U.S. Special Operations Command teams on sensitive missions to developing plans that protect and guard Hurlburt Field during events and tropical storms, MSgt Hanson is the 'go-to-guy', says one of his fellow NCOs.

As his unit's temporary first sergeant, "MSgt Hanson oversees 250-personnel that includes 80 Army National Guard troops, who he makes feel right at home," says one colleague. While this 'top cop' oversees the daily security operations for the Air Force Special Operations Command, he does not lose sight of the importance of each troop and their family members under his command. Another unit officer stated, "At work, he just does it all and still manages to watch over this unit, his extended family." When he is not deployed, MSgt Hanson makes a positive impact on the Hurlburt Field community as the chairman of the local Combined Federal Campaign, as a youth basketball and bowling coach, and he organizes appreciation dinners for families of airmen still deployed to Iraq. One deployed airman's spouse stated, "Most folks with 20+ years look to retire, but MSgt Hanson is here taking care of business – he's taking care of us." As his commander says, "In every way, MSgt Eric Hanson is an airman's airman."