Master Sgt. Kurt Lilley, Minot, was recognized as one of the North Dakota Air National Guard’s top members during the annual Outstanding Airman of the Year banquet held March 3 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Fargo.

Lilley earned the coveted Outstanding Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year recognition.

He enlisted in the N.D. Air National Guard in October 2011 and serves as an analyst for the N.D. National Guard’s counter drug program. He previously served as a response force leader and flight security controller with the 219th Security Forces Squadron. The 219th is based at Minot Air Force Base. Lilley’s service also includes four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and eight years with the N.D. Army National Guard.

Lilley was raised in Belcourt where he graduated from Turtle Mountain Community High School. He resides in Minot and holds a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice, with a concentration in forensic science, from the University of North Dakota.

Lilley is active in the community serving meals at a local soup kitchen and spending time with residents at an elderly care center with his daughter. He is also active at his local church and volunteers often to assist with church events. In his down time, Lilley loves working out, especially cross-fit workouts. He also enjoys golfing and spending time at the lake.

Lilley was among 15 airmen from throughout the state nominated for the award based on their military and civic service throughout 2017.