A Royal Air Force Brize Norton service-person has been recognised for their outstanding contribution behind the scenes, receiving the Unsung Hero of the Year award at the Jon Egging Trust (JET) Annual Dinner 2026.
Sergeant Louise was presented with the prestigious award in recognition of her exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to supporting others, often without recognition. The award celebrates individuals who consistently go above and beyond in their roles, making a meaningful difference to their teams and communities.
The Jon Egging Trust Annual Dinner brings together supporters from across the aviation, defence, and corporate sectors to celebrate achievements and raise vital funds for its STEM-focused youth programmes. This year’s event raised significant funds to support young people through the Trust’s Blue Skies programme, which helps inspire and equip students with the skills and confidence to succeed.
Sergeant Louise’s recognition reflects not only her personal commitment, but also the wider ethos of teamwork, service, and leadership that underpins operations at RAF Brize Norton.
Speaking following the award, Sergeant Louise said:
“It’s a real honour to receive this award. I’ve always believed in simply doing my job to the best of my ability and supporting those around me. This recognition means a great deal, and it really reflects the collective effort of the team I’m proud to be part of.”
Sergeant Louise
Royal Air Force Brize Norton
The Unsung Hero category highlights those individuals whose contributions are often delivered quietly but are essential to mission success. Royal Air Force Brize Norton’s work exemplifies the values of integrity, service, and excellence, helping to create a positive and supportive environment for colleagues.
Royal Air Force Brize Norton continues to play a critical role as the UK’s principal air mobility hub, delivering global operations while maintaining a strong commitment to people, development, and community engagement. Recognition such as this demonstrates the impact of individuals who make a lasting difference every day.
Group Captain Louise Henton, Station Commander RAF Brize Norton, said:
“I am delighted to see Sgt Hartzenberg recognised as JET's Unsung Hero for 2026. Her dedication, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond truly embody the values of the Royal Air Force and JET. This award is richly deserved and reflects the positive impact she has on the RAF Brize Norton JET team and the students the Trust support.”
Group Captain Louise Henton
Station Commander RAF Brize Norton
The Jon Egging Trust works to empower young people through inspirational programmes rooted in aviation and STEM, honouring the legacy of Red Arrows pilot Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging. The continued support of Armed Forces personnel plays an important role in helping the Trust deliver opportunities for the next generation.
The evening raised an incredible £49,816 - This equates to over 1,107 hours of support for Blue Skies students - which is the equivalent of at least 30 students being fully-funded through an academic year of our Blue Skies programme.
