On May 31st, 2024, MDAA hosted our 75th Defender of the Year (DOY) at Joint Base Andrews and NCR MDOY, recognizing the best missile defenders of this past year in their noble mission of the defense of our nation’s Capital and Region. We honored 20 of the best of the best leaders from our National Guard and across our joint force of the US Army and USAF in this noble joint mission.
“In 2001, we got hit by cruise missiles right here. That’s why you’re born, that’s why the Noble Eagle Mission was born, because what happened in 2001… and our nation decided we could not live in an ABM (Anti-Ballistic Missile) world, and we broke out of the treaty and we created the Missile Defense Agency, NORTHCOM, our first ground base missile defense system that defended all 50 states and we created the Air and Cruise Missile Defense system of the National Capital Region. Your Mission. We are grateful as a Nation for your excellence in leadership and proficiency in keeping America Safe.”
– MDAA Founder Mr. Riki Ellison, May 31st, 2024, Joint Airforce Base Andrews, MD.
LTC Tillirson was assigned as the Deputy Commanding Officer of Task Force (TF) Bulldog while serving in the 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard. His expert management of personnel in the command staff was instrumental to the success of the mobilization of Task Force Bulldog to the National Capital Region (NCR).
Mr. Robert Campbell is the Airspace Security Coordinator, assigned to the Command and Coordination Bureau of the United State Capitol Police (USCP). Command and Coordination Bureau provides an enhanced capability to develop, coordinate and execute contingency plans, prepare and direct special events, respond to incidents and emergencies, and manage multi-agency responses to evolving situations within
MAJ Schroll is currently assigned as the Executive Officer for the 1-174 Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Regiment, Ohio Army National Guard (OHARNG). MAJ Schroll played an instrumental role in setting the conditions for the battalion’s successful pre-mobilization training and deployment to the National Capital Region (NCR). MAJ Schroll worked tirelessly with mission partners, to include
Master Sergeant Wilburn is currently assigned as the 1C571D Battle Management Operations/Capabilities and Requirements, NCOIC. Master Sergeant Wilburn has displayed unparalleled leadership and expertise, orchestrating two AFNORTH and ACC technical refresh conferences with exceptional coordination across four working groups. His efforts in capturing operation and maintenance priorities streamlined decision-making, resulting in a $16 million-dollar camera
SPC John Muthig is currently assigned as the Gunner for Avenger Team 10, 3rd Squad, Shooter Battery, 1st Platoon, 1-174 Air Defense Artillery Regiment. SPC Muthig’s knowledge, understanding, and operation of the Avenger Weapon System has propelled his team’s success throughout the pre-mobilization and mobilization periods. His alertness and agility during crew drills, along with
SGT Derek Sortor is currently assigned as the Team Chief for Avenger Team 10, 3rd Squad, Shooter Battery, 1st Platoon, 1-174 Air Defense Artillery Regiment. SGT Sortor’s knowledge and expertise in his role has directly magnified the success of his team during pre-mobilization training, the unit’s Culminating Training Event & Crew Validation, and overall mission
SSG Joshua Patch is currently assigned as the NCOIC of Avenger Team 10, 3rd Squad, Shooter Battery, 1st Platoon, 1-174 Air Defense Artillery Regiment. His team was nominated for the MDAA award by his Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant. Team 10 has consistently hovered at, or around, the top teams within the Platoon for this
SPC Ashley Grooms is currently assigned as Crewmember 2 of NASAMs Team 12, 3rd Squad, Shooter Battery, 2nd Platoon, 1-174 Air Defense Artillery Regiment (ADAR). SPC Grooms does an outstanding job on her familiarization brief of the shelter and equipment on her assigned NASAMs site. Her dedication to the mission is a direct reflection to
SPC Braden Rogers is currently assigned as the Crewmember #1 of NASAMs Team 12, 3rd Squad, Shooter Battery, 2nd Platoon, 1-174 Air Defense Artillery Regiment. SPC Rogers has been identified, by both Battalion and Task Force personnel, as giving an extremely accurate brief of the NASAMs Launcher System. His expertise and professionalism have helped his
SSG Brayden Beam is currently assigned as the NCOIC of NASAMs Team 12, 3rd Squad, Shooter Battery, 2nd Platoon, 1-174 Air Defense Artillery Regiment. His team was nominated for the MDAA award by his Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant. SSG Beam has been an integral piece to the success of the unit’s current mission. His
