Guard Bureau selects annual winners; 162nd LRS senior NCO and Airman to receive top awards Published May 24, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Heather Davis 162nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs TUCSON, Ariz. -- Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Ramirez, Logistics Readiness Squadron quality assurance manager, and Senior Airman Brandon Butler, LRS material handler, were recently announced the 2012 Logistics Readiness Senior NCO and Airman of the Year by the Air National Guard. Ramirez and Butler were selected as top performers amongst over 8800 logistics readiness personnel. Butler, 162nd Airman of the Quarter for spring 2012, was recognized because of his outstanding performance, aggressive initiative and extensive accomplishments and activities both on and off duty. He has only been in LRS for a year and a half, but has become an example leader to Airmen and NCO's alike. "I told myself when I started working here that I was going to have a good attitude, do the best I can, try not to be late and just try to keep myself on my toes and do a good job," said Butler. Since coming LRS from the hydraulics work center, he has transformed numerous supply programs saving thousands of dollars, and has initiated numerous improvements to increase squadron readiness and efficiency. His dedication also extends to his personal life. Butler invests countless hours to volunteer work and has been involved with numerous programs like Meals on Wheels and the Special Olympics. He also heads a group of volunteers who visit veterans at the Veteran's Administration each month. The rest of Butler's time is spent studying and working on his MBA in Operations Management, and planning his upcoming wedding with his fiancé. Attitude and relying on your teammates are essential for success, said Butler. "I feel if you have a good attitude, good things will come your way because attitude is contagious. I've kept a good attitude and good things have happened," he said. "Relying on your teammates is also incredibly important. I definitely wouldn't have won this award without my teammates," said Butler. Ramirez, like Butler, was selected for his outstanding performance and contributions to the Air Guard throughout 2012. Also a 2012 quarterly award winner for LRS, he exudes professionalism and commitment to service, and is a model mentor to numerous Airmen. "You have to go the extra mile in performing your daily responsibilities," said Ramirez. "You have to be a well-rounded senior NCO and you have to display leadership at all levels," he said. Well rounded certainly describes Ramirez. In addition to his extensive duties as a quality assurance manager, he is also the squadron deployment manager, training manager, self-aid buddy care instructor and established and leads the squadron fitness program. Ramirez is also an avid mentor and recent graduate of the Senior NCO Academy and the Air National Guard Leadership Challenge Program. Over the past year, he has made countless contributions to improve readiness and maximize individual performance throughout the squadron. "Ramirez is a consummate professional who is committed to improvement," said Maj. Katheryn Plummer, LRS compliance officer. "He has impeccable military bearing and appearance, he leads by example, he gets superior results on-time, every time, he handles challenges with ease and is always ready for more," she said. Ramirez was very surprised to find out he had received the award, he said. In addition, he received a hand-written letter with a coin from Maj. Gen. Hugo Salazar, Adjutant General for the Arizona National Guard. Butler was recognized by his chief and senior NCO during his first week of Airman Leadership School. "At first I thought I was in trouble," said Butler, "Then they told me I had won and presented me with a coin," he said. The state awards ceremony is still pending.