Texas Airman earns first Red Erwin Award for the 136th Airlift Wing
RENO, Nev. -- Senior Airman Joshua Wyman\, a C-130J Super Hercules loadmaster assigned to the 181st Airlift Squadron\, 136th Airlift Wing\, Texas Air National Guard\, was recognized as the junior Airman category recipient of the Staff Sergeant Henry E. Erwin Outstanding Enlisted Aircrew Member of the Year award during the Career Enlisted Aviator (CEA) Workshop event in Reno, NV, August 11, 2026.
Commonly known as the "Red Erwin Award," this coveted honor recognizes top enlisted aviators across the Air National Guard. Wyman was just one of many enlisted aviators, including loadmasters, boom operators, flight engineers, sensor operators and other aviation specialties who were nominated for the award. He also stands as the first Airman in the history of the 136th Airlift Wing to receive the award.
"I am beyond grateful to be the first in the 136th Airlift Wing to receive this award," Wyman stated. "Every opportunity I was given I always said yes to because you never know where it'll lead you in your career."
Wyman’s selection reflects a record of sustained mission support, leadership, and professional development across multiple operational environments.
During a deployment with the 136th Operations Group’s Contingency Response Flight to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Wyman supported counterdrug efforts in the Caribbean during Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR. He and his team established air base operations that supported multiple forces, including Navy Special Warfare personnel and radar squadrons.
While supporting Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Wyman notably revalidated an outdated Air Mobility Command airfield survey for the U.S. Virgin Islands, enabling the movement of 675 short tons of cargo and 415 passengers during 62 separate sorties.
He also prepared, loaded, and transported equipment and passengers for real-world operations and exercises, helping ensure the delivery of more than $50 million in critical equipment and personnel across multiple areas of responsibility (AORs).
In support of Operation NEW NORMAL, Wyman transported 346 passengers, two medical patients and 173 tons of cargo across 14 combat missions. He logged 110 flight hours during the deployment.
Wyman additionally supported the East African Response Force by maintaining a Bravo Alert posture for 384 hours, ensuring his aircrew and aircraft were prepared to respond to short-notice mission requirements.
His impact extended beyond his primary duties as a loadmaster. Wyman logged more than 250 hours supporting aerial port operations as well as surveillance and reconnaissance roles, demonstrating the adaptability expected from a multi-capable Airman.
Wyman’s sustained performance previously earned him recognition as the 181st Airlift Squadron Airman of the Quarter in June 2025, the 136th Contingency Response Flight Airman of the Quarter in October 2025, and the 136th Operations Group Airman of the Year for 2025.
In addition to his operational and organizational contributions, Wyman also utilized his military education benefits to complete 29 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He also took it upon himself to volunteer at a local animal reserve during a deployment to Africa, helping to foster positive relationships with the local community.
Wyman’s Red Erwin Award recognizes his exceptional performance as an enlisted aviator and highlights the 136th Airlift Wing’s capability to support a myriad of missions across the world
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