Twelve junior enlisted Service Persons of the Year (SPOY) representing the Active Duty branches, the National Guard and Reserve received a Gold Pan award during the 34th Annual Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) Salute to the Military at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel, Feb. 17-18.

“The 12 service personnel of the year have risen above expectations while serving in Alaska,” said Anita Porter, ASYMCA of Alaska Special Projects Manager.  “We love to bring attention to their dedication, success, and unwavering sense of service before self.”

ASYMCA of Alaska sponsored the Salute in conjunction with the Anchorage community to promote awareness of the military and recognize their performance and service.

“There are no words that can express my gratitude to our community and the Armed Services YMCA for all of their dedication to supporting the military,” said Navy Reservist Master-At-Arms 3rd Class Heather Afonin, Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Anchorage, Operational Support Unit 2299.

Each respective branch of service provided the names of their SPOY to the ASYMCA of Alaska.  The Navy SPOY representatives were selected by a Chief’s board based on their professional and personal performance and development.

“I was honored and humbled at the same time,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Marilyn Ongoco assigned to NOSC Anchorage.  “All of us [honorees] agreed that we felt very important and recognized for our respective jobs in our organizations and our significance to the community of Alaska.”

The ASYMCA of Alaska hosted each SPOY and their spouse or guest, while local Veteran organizations and businesses provided funding for all of their meals and accommodations.

“It’s a great feeling to live and serve in a community in which people and businesses support and appreciate each other and embrace the military,” said Ongoco.

Friday evening wrapped up the two-day event with the Salute to the Military Banquet.  More than 500 guests attended the banquet where each SPOY was honored with an engraved Gold Pan, an Alaskan symbol used for awards.

“I felt very honored and humbled to be chosen for this award,” said Afonin.  “It was truly an achievement I will never forget.”

Along with Navy representatives Ongoco and Afonin, Army Staff Sgt. Brandi Espinoza, Army Reserve Spc. Brandon DeZarn, Army Guard Cpl. Timothy Mathews, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cornelius Mingo, Air Force Reserve Staff Sgt. Brent Sisson, Air Guard Airman 1st Class Gregory Keffer, Marine Sgt. Hollis Versyp, Marine Reserve Staff Sgt Rafael Yumo Jr., U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Maintenance Technician 1st Class Troy Brevik, and U.S. Coast Reserve Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Jennifer Stubblefield, also received the award.

“It was overwhelming to see just how much involvement there was,” said Afonin.  “We all had the opportunity to meet some very outstanding people in our community who strongly showed their appreciation for what we, as members of the Armed Forces, do for our country.”

Some of the distinguished visitors at the Salute to the Military Banquet included Sen. Mark Begich, Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who also introduced the Guest Speaker, Air Force Gen. Carrol “Howie” Chandler.

“The Alaskan community has a long, proud history of supporting the military, and the Annual Salute to the Military has captured this support for the military for 34 years,” said Porter.  “Recognizing the service personnel of the year is symbolic for the larger support and appreciation of every service member serving in Alaska.”