319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
6/13/2013 - GRAND FORKS AFB, N.D. -- Two Warriors of the North were recently recognized for being outstanding firefighters.
Master Sgt. Jason Barnard, deputy fire chief, and Tech. Sgt. Byron Ball, assistant fire chief, earned the honors.
John Hamilton, Veterans of Foreign Wars National commander, presented Barnard with the VFW's National Firefighter of the Year Award during a June 1 ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn in the city of Grand Forks.
"I was extremely surprised upon winning this award," Barnard said. "There are so many firefighters across the country doing so many great things every day. I didn't think I even had a shot at being selected."
He has proven to be more than qualified for winning this award, shining overseas as well as at home station.
While deployed, Barnard led Air Forces Central Command's busiest fire department, managing three stations and 55 personnel from 12 different bases.
He actively volunteered with the Wounded Warrior Project and coordinated the help of 17 other firefighters, giving a total of 87 hours.
Barnard also completed his Senior Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education, along with the Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Emergency Management/Anti-Terrorism Program.
"It's a very humbling experience to receive this award, and I'm proud to accept it on behalf of all the firefighters that I have worked with," said Barnard. "Without the entire fire department working together this would not be possible."
Fellow firefighter Tech. Sgt. Ball was nominated for his award by the Grand Forks American Legion Post 6. It was during the Winter Conference in Minot earlier this year that the department executive committee selected Ball as the award winner.
"We recognized Ball's service to our nation and community," said Robert Greene, post commander. "This is what made him stand out the most."
Department commander David Rice will present the North Dakota American Legion Fire Fighter of the Year Award to Ball on June 7 at a convention in West Fargo.
During the past year, Ball has been very active at the command level, in the community and in his personal development.
He served as the assistant fire chief, managing 16 personnel, responded to multiple medical emergency calls, and established a triage site treating 10 Airmen for heat exhaustion.
He was named the flight non-commissioned officer of the quarter for the first quarter of 2012, and top NCO for the 319th Air Base Wing. But that doesn't mean he wasn't surprised to have received this award.
"There are so many firefighters in this state that do outstanding work," said Ball. "So for me to be recognized by the American Legion and represent our brotherhood is a true honor."
Ball has also completed 24 credit hours toward his bachelor's degree, finished courses offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and attended a Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad training on hazardous materials spills.
Ball said he is most proud of helping the United Way with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.
"Knowing that we helped gather 2,300 toys for 647 children to enjoy Christmas last year is priceless," Ball said.
As former president of Grand Forks AFB Network 5/6, Ball coordinated 70 events, providing 1,086 hours of community service, and earning them the prestigious Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
Ball will now compete at the American Legion's national level.
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