Kirtland Airmen receive Sijan Award Published Aug. 16, 2016 By Bud Cordova Nucleus writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Two of Kirtland Air Force Base’s Airmen have earned an Air Force-wide award for their leadership skills. The Sijan Award is given to Airmen who demonstrate exemplary leadership skills in their jobs and lives. Tech. Sgt. Daniel DeMotta and 1st Lt. Bryan Duggan, who has since been transferred, received it recently. The award is named in honor of the first graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy to have received the Medal of Honor. Capt. Lance P. Sijan was a fighter pilot in Vietnam. He was shot down and evaded capture for six weeks before the North Vietnamese caught him. He died as a prisoner of war on Jan. 22, 1968, in the Hoa Lo Prison. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously in 1976. 1st Lt. Bryan Duggan Winner of the Junior Officer award 1st Lt. Bryan Duggan credits his team. Part of the 377th Security Forces Group when nominated, Duggan found out about the award during a permanent change of station to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. He was nominated for the award by Lt. Col. James Meier for his time in Afghanistan as the officer in charge of security forces at the Kandahar Air Field. “This award is a reflection of the team I had over there,” Duggan said. He said it was because of them and everything they accomplished together that he received the award. Duggan also said this is a reflection of the leadership he has had in the military and all who have mentored him. “We don’t serve for awards,” he said Tech. Sgt. Daniel DeMotta Winner of the Junior Enlisted award is Tech. Sgt. Daniel DeMotta with the 377th Security Forces Squadron. “I try very hard to represent the Air Force in a good light, and as well my family that has played a huge role in my personal and professional successes,” he said. DeMotta said he is extremely grateful that his leadership team took the time to recognize him for his hard work, but noted that it isn’t going to change his genuine concern for Airmen or how he does his job. “If you’re doing your job as a (non-commissioned officer), your Airmen will always be the priority,” he said. DeMotta expressed the unwavering support provided by his wife, Danielle DeMotta, enabling him to care for, lead and inspire Airmen. “She is my rock,” he said. As security forces, DeMotta said it is an honor and privilege to defend Kirtland Air Force Base and guarantees that all the defenders in the security forces squadron share his devotion to duty. In parting, DeMotta had a few words of advice for other NCOs: “Take the time to talk to and mentor your Airmen. Ensure they are in tune with their purpose and mission. Knowing their role will automatically instill pride, and in today’s Air Force, pride is vital to mission success.”