Army air defender designs coin for AF ball

  • Published
  • By Specialist Shawn Denham
  • 35th Air Defense Artillery
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  1st Lt. Kyle Hermanson, executive officer with Battery B, 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, was recognized for creating the winning coin design for the upcoming U.S. Air Force's 'Air Force Ball' here, Aug. 9.

Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, commander of the 7th Air Force, presented his own unit's challenge coin, a certificate of recognition and tickets to the ball to Hermanson and his wife, Allison.

From defending the Korean Theater of Operations together to an Army Soldier designing the Air Force Ball's coin, Jouas noted the partnership between the two military branches.

"Working together, we're an awesome duo," said Jouas.

Osan AB offers a unique opportunity for Soldiers to work with their Air Force counterparts, said Col. Thomas Nguyen, commander of the 35th ADA Brigade, who was on hand to congratulate Hermanson.

This is a unique moment between the different military branches, said Maj. Mary Schultz, the 2013 Air Force Ball chairperson for Korea.

"Out of 13 [designs] submitted, [Hermanson's] was selected to celebrate the Air Force's birthday and...the theme of 60 years of peace and prosperity," said Schultz.

His designs were amazing and to my knowledge this is the first time a U.S. Soldier won the competition for designing the Air Force Ball's coin, said Schultz.

The Hermansons are expecting their first baby at the end of September, just two weeks after the planned Sept. 14 ball.

"We don't know if it's a boy or girl," said Mrs. Hermanson, herself a flight medic with the Air Force Individual Ready Reserve. "We're waiting to be surprised."

About 900 people are expected at this year's ball, said Jouas.