Master Sgt. Marta Darrow Of Fond du Lac Named 1st Sergeant Of The Year

Master Sgt. Marta Darrow, first sergeant with the 115th Fighter Wing’s Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, has been named the First Sergeant of the Year.

To be named Outstanding Airman of the Year, recipients must consistently demonstrate outstanding job performance, leadership and superior Airmen qualities.

Darrow began her Wisconsin Air National Guard career as a firefighter with the 115th Civil Engineering Squadron, and the Fond du Lac resident has parlayed those skills into her current civilian job as a firefighter and paramedic with the Madison Fire Department.

She has been a first sergeant since 2018.“I was blessed to be chosen on my first attempt, as it can be a very competitive process,” she said. “It has been incredibly rewarding, but not without its challenges. I’m the sounding board for my members — they need to have a trustworthy person to turn to when they are seeking advice or answers. I am the conduit for them to get the resources they need, given the situation.”

“I do what should be expected of someone in this position,” Darrow said. “Knowing that I competed against other amazing first sergeants makes me want to share this with them as well.”

Darrow said that selflessness, honesty, compassion and the ability to resolve questions are key for first sergeants. She also recommended Airmen interested in the award speak with their supervisors.

“You need to be proficient at your duties, but not everything is job performance,” Darrow explained. “There are things that you can do that are above and beyond your required job duties that make members competitive for such an award.”