STARCOM Instructor Named 2026 Guardian Of The Year

For many enlisted Guardians, the Space Force journey begins at Basic Military Training, where military training instructors help transform civilians into members of the armed forces and build the foundation they will carry throughout their careers.

For many trainees, that experience begins with Master Sgt. David Gudgeon, a military training instructor assigned to Space Training and Readiness Command ‘s Space Delta 1 . Earlier this year, the USO named Gudgeon the 2026 Guardian of the Year, recognizing his impact on trainees and his response during multiple medical emergencies at Basic Military Training.