STARCOM instructor named 2026 USO Guardian of the Year, shaping the next generation of Guardians

Master Sgt. David Gudgeon, a military training instructor with Space Training and Readiness Command’s Space Delta 1, has been named the USO’s 2026 Guardian of the Year, an honor spotlighting his impact on Space Force trainees and his swift responses during multiple medical emergencies at Basic Military Training.

Gudgeon, who arrived at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in 2023, began leading Basic Military Training flights the following year after completing the United States Drill Sergeant Academy and the Air Force Military Training Instructor School. Since then, he has taken five flights through the 7.5-week course and helped train roughly 300 prospective Guardians before stepping into instructor leadership roles.

As an MTI, he oversees physical training, drill and ceremony, and the standards expected of service members, while mentoring Guardians through the transition to military life. “Every day is different,” Gudgeon said. “It’s your responsibility to help each trainee transition from civilian to a member of the United States armed forces.”

He said he sought out the instructor path to expand his leadership and mentorship opportunities. “In previous assignments I found immense gratification working with new members and setting them up for success in the force,” he said. “Laying the foundation for the next generation is exciting.”

Gudgeon emphasizes habits and mindsets that can endure beyond BMT. “Having a strong initiative will take you farther than raw talent or skills,” Gudgeon said. “Accountability is more than taking credit for a good or bad outcome. It is the foundation for the buy-in each and every one of them could have for follow-on assignments or missions.”

The work is relentless, he added, requiring constant presence and adaptability. “This job is a grind and maintaining your presence, proficiency and professionalism is always a challenge,” Gudgeon said. “Each cycle you must adjust your approach to ensure it’s successful for this group of individuals.”

The USO cited Gudgeon’s performance as an instructor and his actions during two trainee medical emergencies, including an incident in a dining facility where he responded after recognizing a trainee was choking.

Space Delta 1, part of Space Training and Readiness Command, is responsible for training the Space Force’s newest members at JBSA-Lackland. The USO’s annual Service Member of the Year program recognizes one honoree from each military branch for exemplary professionalism and service.