When Hill Air Force Base looks for civilian leaders who truly have their back, one name now stands proudly among the best.

Former Kaysville Mayor Steve Hiatt received the Community Wingman Award, a prestigious honor presented by Hill Air Force Base Col. Daniel Cornelius of the 75th Air Base Wing Commanders to individuals who demonstrate exceptional, long-term service to HAFB, its airmen, and the greater Team Hill community. The award is often bestowed during high-profile base events and command gatherings, highlighting those whose commitment rises far beyond ordinary civic duty.

Established in 2007, the Community Wingman Award is given annually to community members who consistently go above and beyond through leadership, advocacy, volunteerism, and strong civilian-military partnerships. Hiatt’s record of service made him a natural choice.

A Kaysville native and lifelong public servant, Hiatt served as the city’s 38th mayor, first elected in 2009. At the time, he made history as the youngest mayor in Utah. During his two full terms, he guided Kaysville through periods of growth while prioritizing emergency preparedness, community safety, and quality-of-life improvements for residents. His service also includes two terms on the Kaysville City Council, further cementing his dedication to local leadership.

When presented the award, Hiatt talked about growing up in Clearfield near HAFB and hearing the airplanes and watching his airman father go to work. He said he had never had a full appreciation of HAFB until he came to know the thousands of people responsible for getting those planes in the air and the hundreds of thousands of military men and women who have sacrificed for this country. He said, “he is honored by this award, but it pales in comparison to their service.”

Beyond city hall, Hiatt has played a key role in strengthening ties between Kaysville, Davis County, and Hill Air Force Base. He continues to lead Kaysville’s annual Patriarchal Devotional, an event that brings together community members from across the region and reinforces lasting relationships with Team Hill.

Those efforts – rooted in selfless service, community resilience, and mutual respect between civilian and military neighbors – are exactly what the Community Wingman Award was created to honor.