Both Air and Army Guard Family of the Year are Awarded (UNCLASSIFIED)

 Both Air and Army Guard Family of the Year are Awarded
 
BISMARCK, N.D. - Both the Air and Army Guard Family of the Year were honored
 today at a volunteer luncheon that took place at the Adjutant General's
 Symposium on Families at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck. Each year, a family
 is chosen from each branch of service that has served the military community
 in an outstanding capacity. The two families were nominated by their peers
 due to their support of the Guard as well as their activities and volunteer
 efforts. 
 
Tech. Sgt. Francisco "Frank" Gonzalez and Senior Airman Kelly Gonzalez, of
 Minot, received Air Guard Family of the Year and Sgt 1st Class Richard and
 Tess Haugen, of Dickinson, received Army Guard Family of the Year. The
 Gonzalez family was unable to attend due to participation in the flood fight
 efforts, but the Haugen family was on hand to receive the award.
 
Presenting the award was Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National
 Guard adjutant general. He said, "These awards are to recognize families
 that have gone above and beyond. Thank you for all you do for our military.
 Families are a huge reason why we are able to be successful as an
 organization."
 
Frank Gonzalez is currently assigned as the non-commissioned officer in
 charge of training for the 219th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) located at
 Minot Air Force Base. According to the Gonzalez nomination form, "Frank
 constantly seeks greater responsibilities within the squadron and strives to
 enhance his already immense professional knowledge base. The family
 significantly volunteers time and efforts in helping out squadron members
 during times of need. Numerous examples include moving, snow removal, home
 repairs and chaperoning field trips for children. This family's selfless
 service and sacrifices have been instrumental without measure in ensuring the
 success of a complex and difficult nuclear security mission." Frank and Kelly
 Gonzalez volunteer numerous hours to help other Airmen and participate in
 professional events to enhance the overall image of the Guard. 
 
"I was definitely surprised by the award. For Kelly and I to be recognized
 for our contribution is not only gratifying, but also humbling because we
 work with so many amazing Airmen and families," said Tech. Sgt. Francisco
 Gonzalez.
 
Commander of 219th SFS, Lt. Col. Tad Schauer, said, "It is important that we
 recognize our Airmen and their families for their contributions. The fact
 that the 219th Security Forces Squadron has had a family receive this
 prestigious award two years in a row speaks volumes about the high caliber of
 Airmen in our organization. Both Francisco and Kelly are excellent examples
 of outstanding Hooligans." 
 
Army Guard winner, Sgt. 1st Class Richard Haugen, member of the 816th
 Engineer Company, and his wife and three children were nominated due to their
 positive impact on their community and care and concern demonstrated for
 Soldiers. According to the nomination form, "Richard volunteers for
 additional duties to include: Suicide Intervention Officer, Casualty
 Notification Officer, Equal Opportunity Representative as well as teaching
 "mini-lessons" to local Elementary School students. Joining Richard in
 demonstrating genuine care and concern is his wife Tess. As the leader of the
 Family Readiness Group, she has been instrumental in organizing activities
 for the Soldiers', spouses' and children year-round. Care, concern, devotion
 and training are all great attributes for one to have. Finding a family
 where these attributes are shared by all, make them a great choice." 
 
Haugen said he and his family were honored to be recognized. "It means a lot
 to us. We are in this together. It's all about being part of a great National
 Guard family," he said. 
 
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