Des Moines, Iowa -- Master Sgt. Tina Kalar, 132d Medical Group first sergeant, will be competing at the national level after being selected as 1st Sergeant of the Year in Region 4.
Kalar, who won at the state of Iowa level, was unanimously selected over other candidates from Region 4 including Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota and Ohio. Kalar will be competing with the winners of the other regions for national 1st Sergeant of the Year.
Kalar became the 132d MDG 1st sergeant in 2017 and later deployed in 2020. While deployed, Kalar’s leadership and knowledge resulted in increased efficiency of the unit as well as enhanced morale and safety of fellow airmen.
Kalar, also a veteran member of the Des Moines Police Department, has been active in the community by participating in the “Ambassador in Blue” program that assists at-risk youths in the Des Moines Metro. Kalar has been a model officer and volunteers for local, state and Federal Search & Rescue K-9 Teams, providing vital training assistance.
This annual award starts with units submitting their finest members at the Airmen, NCO, 1st Sergeant, Senior NCO and Officer levels. Kalar competing and advanced from the squadron, wing and state level be in position to compete at the national level.