Hogg Named Airman of the Year

A young woman from Breathitt County is being recognized for her outstanding service in the United States Air Force after earning the prestigious Expeditionary Communications Airman of the Year award.

Senior Airman Kennedy Hogg, a 2021 graduate of Breathitt County High School, recently received the honor while serving with the 52nd Combat Communications Squadron.

The squadron specializes in expeditionary communications, also known as XCOMM.

According to the unit’s mission, expeditionary communications systems are rapidly deployable, mobile voice, data, and video systems designed for remote or austere environments. Often described as a “first in, last out” capability, the systems enable military units, humanitarian responders, and emergency personnel to maintain secure, reliable communication even when no existing infrastructure is available.

Hogg earned the Airman of the Year distinction through exceptional performance in her role. The award is given to airmen who demonstrate superior work ethic, leadership, and technical ability in support of their unit’s mission. In addition to the recent recognition, Hogg has also received several coins for excellence during temporary duty deployments.

One of the most notable came from the commander of the 21st Air Task Force unit in Florida, a colonel who personally recognized her superior performance. Such coins are typically awarded when a Commander, Colonel, or General handpicks a service member whose work stands out above others.

Hogg has also distinguished herself in several other ways during her military career. She is currently the only woman serving in her squadron and was also the only female to graduate from the Mobility Operations (MOB) School at Warner Robins last year.

The daughter of Cynthia Feltner and Jason Mullins, Hogg began showing interest in military service while still in high school.  She joined the ROTC program during her junior year at Breathitt County High School and quickly discovered a passion for the program.

After graduating in 2021, Hogg attended Eastern Kentucky University for a year, where she maintained straight A grades. Despite her academic success, she felt a strong calling to serve her country.

In March 2023, Hogg took her oath of enlistment in Knoxville before departing for basic training at Lackland Air Force Base.  She graduated from Basic Military Training in May 2023 and continued her training at Keesler Air Force Base, where she studied cybersecurity.  Hogg completed technical school in March 2024 and was assigned to Robins Air Force Base. In addition to performing her duties, she teaches classes on expeditionary communications systems.

Her work has taken her across the country and beyond, including assignments and travel to Hawaii, Arizona, Arkansas, Mexico, Florida, Texas, and Mississippi. 

Beyond her military responsibilities, Hogg has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community safety and service. While stationed in Warner Robins, she organized an active shooter response simulation for the city, helping local officials and first responders prepare for emergency situations.  Her leadership and initiative in coordinating the exercise earned her recognition from the city, and she was formally honored by the mayor of Warner Robins and the city’s police chief.

Hogg remains active in volunteer work as well.  She volunteers at the Museum of Aviation, where she helps provide tours for children, and also volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.  She is also continuing her education and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity through Western Governors University.