PEACE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. — The Public Health Service serving the 157th Medical Group is undergoing its most challenging year in decades, and one noncommissioned officer is dedicated to the health and well-being of base residents and the community. We are leading the way in securing the
technology. Sergeant Sarah Davidson, the 157th Air Refueling Wing’s noncommissioned officer in charge of public health, has been named the 2023 Air National Guard Public Health Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
Davidson conducts testing, implements precautions and works with medical experts to ensure the health of all Airmen assigned to Peace Air National Guard Base.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award,” said Lt. Col. Derek Brindisi, 157th MDG public health officer. “She is the greatest professional, but more importantly, she is an even greater human being.”
Davidson’s role requires a deep understanding of public health principles, effective communication skills, and the ability to work with a variety of departments and staff.
“I work with the entire base during our semi-annual block training health fair,” Davidson said. “However, my involvement with each organization goes deeper through medical deployment and occupational health programs.”
Last year, Davidson served as a medical information officer, explaining public health threats and prevention methods for more than 180 countries. She also led a public health pop-up clinic in Oklahoma’s Cherokee Nation and managed a health education department serving a population of more than 450,000 people.
“In public health, there is a great need for direct one-on-one communication with supervisors and squadron commanders,” Brindisi said. “Sarah handles these situations with ease. She is very approachable and caring. You can clearly see that she only wants what is best for those around her.”
Davidson started out as a young Airman in the public health field and steadily increased his responsibilities. In 2022, she ran the Wing’s first public health fair for her 400+ members. In 2023, she conducted an evaluation of all food vendors for the Wings Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show to ensure the health and safety of over 80,000 civilian attendees.
“Sarah had no experience in public health, but she was willing to learn what she didn’t know,” Brindisi said. “Right now, she’s leading the next generation of public health technology. If you spend time with her, you’ll experience her very gentle approach to educating and mentoring non-commissioned officers.”
Davidson not only prepared his team to be the best it could be, but he led by example. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was tasked with ensuring the protection of base residents and leading a five-person coronavirus surveillance team across the New Hampshire National Guard.
“This mission required her to be available 24/7 for almost two years,” Brindisi explained. She will “provide recommendations for the protection of troops and act quickly to isolate service members.”
Mr Davidson said he was humbled by the recognition and it would be disrespectful not to recognize his team.
“I fully understand that this award reflects not only my efforts, but the efforts of the entire public health team,” she said. “They are rock stars and have provided invaluable dedication and support over the past year.”
Brindisi said that since he has known Davidson, she has exemplified outstanding leadership and a true passion for public safety.
“I love being able to make a tangible impact on the health and safety of our community,” Davidson said. “But I really love having the opportunity to work with so many organizations across the department. Making connections is my favorite part and working with teams that promote a culture of health and preventive care.” It is the most rewarding thing to be a part of.”
