Achievement Medal Citation Examples
Senior Airman Collin Walker distinguished himself by meritorious service as Intelligence Analyst, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division, 603 Air Operations Center, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. During this period, Airman Walker championed timely, accurate, and relevant intelligence delivery to USAFE-AFAFRICA command and EUCOM and CENTCOM mission planners. His diligent analysis spurred the creation of over 354 intelligence reports, informing the JFACC on partner and adversary air and air defense activity, guiding U.S. and allied mission planning on emerging threats to air operations. Additionally, Airman Walker spearhead a six-member surge team for Middle East crisis support, developing seven operational threat briefs covering 763 adversary weapon systems and vectoring XXX ISR sorties across three Combatant Commands for potential Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations. Moreover, he revamped the Unit Support Mission Reporting program, in his publishing of 865 post-mission reports he corrected 150 misfiled reports, identifying a major training gap with EUCOM's sole refueling wing and streamlining USAFE-AFAFRICA air-refueling operations to 90% efficacy, ensuring 24-hour air-refueling coverage across 20 million square miles. Furthermore, Airman Walker served as the USAFE-AFAFRICA command briefer for 150 days, detailing 156 attacks against U.S. forces in the Middle East and elucidating the JFACC on evolving adversary tactics, his efforts led to the reallocation of vital EUCOM and AFRICOM air defense systems in order to effectively safeguard 100% of deployed forces across two theaters. Finally, Senior Airman Walker's dedicated service was vital to his team winning the 2023 Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Division Team of the Year as well as his unit receiving the 2024 USAFE-AFAFRICA Outstanding ISR Division Unit of the Year award. The distinctive accomplishments of Senior Airman Walker reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Technical Sergeant Joshua E. Esposo, 502d Force Support Group, distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as the Recorder for the F-16 Accident Investigation Board Mishap at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, from 12 July 2024 through 1 August 2024. During this period, TSgt Esposo's exceptional organizational skills and initiative were evident as he meticulously reviewed and inventoried over 10,000 pages of evidence, ensuring the integrity of the chain of custody. His dedication to protecting sensitive information resulted in the implementation of 14,000 redactions, safeguarding the identities of individuals involved in the investigation. TSgt Esposo coordinated, recorded, and transcribed 10 critical interviews, demonstrating his commitment to accuracy and thoroughness. His innovative approach allowed the Accident Investigation Board to complete its investigation in a remarkable 15 days, significantly ahead of the estimated 45 days. This efficiency not only saved the Air Force valuable time and manpower but also resulted in cost savings of $27,000 in travel expenses. His contributions were instrumental in the successful investigation of the $21 million mishap, culminating in the production of a publicly releasable report that identified hazards and implemented measures to mitigate them. The distinctive accomplishments of Technical Sergeant Esposo reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Nelvin Airo R. Cordova distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Pharmacy Technician, 379th Expeditionary Medical Support Squadron, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. During this period, he led 9th AF (AFCENT)'s largest pharmacy supply program, executing a 217,000 dollar budget, processing 16,000 prescriptions and propelling ten clinics to fuel 282 aeromedical missions across five wings in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, SPARTAN SHIELD and PROSPERITY GUARDIAN. Additionally, he drove the Group's medication management program, teaming with three clinicians across two commands to identify thirty treatments to create two trauma kits, which reduced emergency medication delivery time by twenty five minutes and saved two patients' lives. Moreover, he powered off-site pharmacy support for six flying squadrons, cutting in-person visits by thirty one percent to enable 3,000 sorties. Finally, he partnered with the Army Medical Material unit to expand the hospital's over-the-counter formulary by fifteen percent, equipping two Israel missions with seventy three antidotes, which earned him the Squadron's Semi-annual Airman Award. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Cordova reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Airman First Class Christopher Shorter distinguished himself by meritorious service as Client Systems Technician, Client Services Branch, Operations Flight, Communications and Information Directorate, National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. During this period, Airman Shorter's exceptional performance enhanced mission capabilities by conquering over one thousand tickets, significantly reducing a backlog for a 2.1-billion-dollar, multi-domain Intelligence Center, enabling 4,300 users across twenty-eight mission sets and the creation of 58,000 intelligence reports a year. Furthermore, by configuring seventy-five mobile devices, he increased telework productivity for seventy eight key leaders and twenty nine units to enhance command and control during the Corona Virus pandemic, mitigating health and safety protocols. Finally, Airman Shorter's adaptability within the Multi-Capable Airman concept was instrumental in rebuilding a management server, which he customized to automate and strengthen the maintenance of 211 servers and seventy eight network devices. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Shorter reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Specialist Gil Lujan distinguished himself by meritorious service as Vulnerability Management Analyst, 65th Cyberspace Squadron, Space Delta 6, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. During this Period, Specialist Lujan exceeded junior enlisted standards by fulfilling the role of Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge for over four months, leading a team of three technicians, and generating nine reports for Joint Leadership, and eradicating over 22,000 threats. His actions earned him the Squadron Cyber Operations Junior Enlisted of the Year in 2023 and set a high standard of excellence throughout his squadron. Specialist Lujan displayed unparalleled dedication to his role, training six of his peers and two Non-Commissioned Officers in vulnerability analysis and cyber strategies. He then orchestrated a team to perform four vital vulnerability upgrades in defense of the Space Command And Control Mission Network, directing the safeguarding of 3,500 mission systems, and earning three Squadron Most Valuable Player awards. Specialist Lujan launched a $25,000 upgrade for the United States Space Force - Space vulnerability scanning platform, eliminating a three-year program management office gridlock and eliminating the most vulnerable system on the network. His efforts identified, analyzed and remediated over 14,000 vulnerabilities, which laid the foundation for future network defense. Demonstrating exceptional courage, he identified 400 hostile foreign actors' exploits, conducted investigations, and promptly reported findings, safeguarding 3,500 mission systems. Taking initiative, he significantly contributed to a five million dollar NAtional Security Agency program, compiling 460,000 vulnerabilities for five months, advancing the national cyber defense perspective. The distinctive accomplishments of Specialist Lujan relects credit upon himself and the United States Space Force.
Senior Airman Adrian X. Sands distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while assigned to Detachment 1, 18 COMBAT WEATHER SQ. During this period, Airman Sands partnered with Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps Detachment 535, in which he dedicated over 120 hours of personal time and led a 20-member team, incorporating members from the 20th Air Support Operations Squadron in the planning and execution of three events. He visited Syracuse University on two separate occasions, while concurrently disseminated via videoconference to 144 additional detachments, to present a detailed exhibition of two Air Force career fields and offer mentorship to the cadets of Detachment 535. Furthermore, Airman Sands navigated complex Army authorization procedures in planning a 12-hour field training exercise for the cadets academic capstone. Utilizing a nearly 1000-acre site within the Fort Drum Training Area, he coordinated an event that vastly exceeded the training objectives and expectations originally laid out by the cadre while also integrating aviation support from the Army's 10th Combat Aviation Brigade. His efforts provided 44 cadets with real-world medical evacuation training and culminated in an incentive flight on an HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Sands reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Alyssa G. Huerta distinguished herself by meritorious service as Diagnostic Imaging Technologist, 88th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron, 88th Medical Group, 88th Air Base Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. During this period, Airman Huerta precepted the Phase II diagnostic Imaging program, validating 128 task evaluations for twelve students which resulted in a one-hundred percent graduation rate and two Distinguished Graduates. Additionally, she managed nineteen active duty and three civilian members while providing quality control for 263 radiology exams that resulted in a repeat rate under the national average of four percent that was critical to the flight's squadron team of the third quarter in 2022. Furthermore, Airman Huerta was selected to fill a computed tomography role and executed 1.4K exams while mastering thirty-nine core tasks and increased the departments workload by thirty-three percent resulting in the flight's squadron team of the fourth quarter in 2022. Moreover, she led advanced imaging training for three members on robotic implant placement which enabled thirty-five critical surgeries and reduced patient radiation time dosage by fifteen percent. Finally, Airman Huerta was hand selected for the OSI customs investigation where she screened over 200 items for audio devices that eliminated operation security risks and was coined by the OSI inspector for her efforts. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Huerta reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Captain Amanda L. Diaz distinguished herself by outstanding achievement as Assistant Director of Operations for Hospitality, Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, Texas from 04 January 2024 to 09 March 2024. During this period, Captain Diaz oversaw the execution of two highly successful events for over 400 local community members, distinguished visitors and XXX performers. Additionally, her reliability, consistency of effort, and high degree of professionalism allowed her to overcome many unforeseen complications that were critical to our team's overall success throughout the airshow week. Furthermore, Captain Diaz expertly coordinated hosting responsibilities with 47 Wing Public Affairs, Wing Protocol, and Fiesta of Flight 2024 leadership to ensure a seamless day of operation for one hundred distinguished military and civic leaders. Finally, as the Assistant Director of Operations for Hospitality, her strong work ethic culminated in hosting the Fuerza Aerea Mexicana leadership team thereby supporting the NORTHCOM operational objective of furthering Air Force interoperability with a partner nation. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Amanda L. Diaz reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Technical Sergeant Matthew L. Peluyera distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Vehicle Maintenance Non-commissioned Officer in Charge, Florida Air National Guard Base, Jacksonville, Florida from 01 December 2019 to 30 November 2023. During this period, Sergeant Peluyera oversaw eight Airmen in maintaining 81 general purpose vehicles valued at over six million dollars resulting in an astounding eighty-eight percent mission capable rate. Additionally, his establishment of the Technical Order Distribution Account program, for over 300 technical orders, proved invaluable and increased workplace efficiency by 50% and yielded substantial cost savings exceeding $50,000 in contract services. Furthermore, Sergeant Peluyera expertly managed an R-11 fleet of five trucks utilizing his technical skills to facilitate over 440 repairs, ensuring the on-time generation of 2,912 sorties. Finally, as the unit training leader for the Vehicle Maintenance flight, he planned an annual training event with the 134th Air Refueling Wing that resulted in 40 percent completion of core tasks for four junior enlisted Airmen. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Peluyera reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Sierra M. Savant distinguished herself by meritorious service as Histopathology Technician, 81st Medical Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron, 81st Medical Group, 81st Training Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. During this period, Airman Savant supported the Air Force's busiest Anatomic Pathology laboratory in the execution of 40 thousand tests, in service of 40 clinics, 250 healthcare providers, and 58 thousand beneficiaries. Additionally, she overhauled the Immunohistochemistry department by organizing 50 refrigerated antibodies worth 40 thousand dollars, decreasing turn around time by 2.7 hours, besting the Air Force turn around time by 200 percent. Moreover, Airman Savant educated Mohs clinic technicians while preparing 110 biopsy collections, saving the Department of Defense 1.7 million dollars on outsourcing procedures. Her efforts were vital to the medical group's selection as Air Education and Training Command's Hospital of the Year 2021 and 2023, Air Forces Best Inpatient Facility Patient Safety 2022 and the flight's recognition as Wing Team of the Year 2022. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Savant reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Captain Jyoti K. Mehta distinguished herself by meritorious service while assigned to the Air Staff A2/6, Human Capital and Culture Innovation team, Pentagon, Arlington, District of Washington from DATE to DATE. During this time, as the Connectedness, Outreach & Engagement Branch Chief, Captain Mehta was hand-picked to manage a 3-star/1.58 million dollar priority program. She led the identification and elimination of two major cyber-security vulnerabilities in a HAF A2/6 software program. She developed a computer security protection plan, mitigating spillage of personable identifying information and security information for 2.3K Airmen. In addition, she led HAF A1 partnerships to drive development of mentorship across the Department of the Air Force and authored a requirements plan optimizing user ability and cyber-security best practices to standardize and modernize MyVector for 330K Airmen. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Mehta reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
RANK FIRST LAST NAME distinguished himself/herself by meritorious service as a member of the Quality-of-Life Task Force, 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. During this period, RANK LAST NAME used his/her expertise to work with three units and PACAF to combat the manning shortage in critical sections by recruiting six Air National Guard and Air National Guard members to provide manning assistance for 90 days during the seasonal increase in infrastructure work orders, reducing the emergency tasks by 38% and gaining recognition by Air Force Civil Engineer Center as a best practice. Additionally, Rank Last Name assisted in implementing the first food trucks at Kunsan Air Base to support over 5,000 personnel on the installation and flight line, generating over $20,000 in revenue, increasing access to additional food options at scarce locations, and propelling the 7th Air Force commander's line of effort. Furthermore, RANK LAST NAME coordinated with ten subject matter experts, 26 units, to round up over 200 unclaimed bikes worth $188,000 for redistribution to the airmen and soldiers on the base, saving each member an average of $750 and reducing waste by 15%. Finally, his/her efforts advanced the 8th Fighter Wing's commander's top priority to improve road lighting and road safety, provide alternative cost-effective food options, expand cultural exchange with mission comprehension, and increase the overall Quality of Life for all 8th Fighter Wing Wolfpack members. The distinctive accomplishments of RANK LAST NAME reflect credit upon himself/herself and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Timothy A. Gilio distinguished himself by meritorious service as Signals Intelligence Analyst, 301st Intelligence Squadron, 373rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing. During this period, Airman Gilio showcased his excellent Morse knowledge by outpacing 90% of his peers and certifying three weeks early. He maintained Threat Warning for fourteen Sensitive Reconnaissance Operations, protecting 65 US personnel and $700M in AF assets, amassed over 3.3K signals of interest, produced 570 near real-time reports, and was awarded the monthly Top Military Performer nineteen times. Additionally, Airman Gilio validated four naval distress messages sent to the Direction Finding Management Center and performed High Frequency Direction Finding for a United States Navy critical exercise, providing US submarines with a Search and Rescue report. Furthermore, Airman Gilio conducted 105 hours of Indications and Warning, alerting NATO and DIRNSA of an incursion into allied territory, leading his section to the ASOC Team of the 3rd Quarter. Finally, Airman Gilio sought out a critical leadership opportunity by certifying as a Senior Signals Controller and was coined by the Deputy Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command, for his actions during an incursion of the Air Defense Identification Zone. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Gilio reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Ashley P. Peterson distinguished herself by meritorious service as Public Health Technician, 325th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, 325th Medical Group, 325th Fighter Wing, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. During this period, Senior Airman Peterson propelled wing deployment health, liaising with seven clinics and 68 Unit Deployment Managers, verifying 5,400 medical needs for 807 deployers, and cementing support for the 2021 Afghan Noncombatant Evacuation Operations mission. Additionally, she oversaw the wing occupational health program, directing 7,300 exams and raising compliance by 34 percent, securing the 2021 Unit Effectiveness Inspection Superior Team award. Moreover, SrA Peterson drove wing food safety via 88 inspections, identifying 22 critical issues, and averting illness for 35,400 military and local patrons. Furthermore, she headed Corona Virus Disease 2019 efforts, building a 5-man operations team and a 13-man contact-tracing platform covering 6,000 patients, tripling wing tracking capabilities, and key to group Team of the Quarter and Year wins in 2020. Finally, she filled in as element lead for 10 months, managing 13 programs and five Airmen, earning Airman of the Quarter in 2021 and 2022 and receiving a Letter of Accomplishment from Air Combat Command's Surgeon General. The distinctive accomplishments of Senior Airman Peterson reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Leslie N. Pate distinguished herself by meritorious service as Aerospace Medical Service Technician, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 18th Healthcare Operations Squadron, 18th Medical Group, 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan. During this period, Airman Pate was the sole technician on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for one hundred fifty-two shifts where she supported thirty-two personnel and five neonatologists who delivered critical care during five high-risk obstetrical deliveries and enabled one hundred sixteen patient admits, generating four million dollars in services. Additionally, she rewrote the Code Response Standard Operating Procedure and created a checklist for the Mother-Infant Care Center which secured the emergency response capabilities for fifty staff members across five departments. Furthermore, as a member of Pacific Command's sole Neonatal Intensive Care Unit medical evacuation team, she managed three priority missions and coordinated transportation for thirteen personnel which saved the Air Force two million dollars in costs. Finally, Airman Pate supported the Medical Group Mobility Response, inventoried sixty-nine thousand dollars worth of supply items, and assembled twenty-five medical disaster kits which propelled Wing readiness response during three Emergency Management Exercises. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Pate reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Airman First Class Hannah M. Imel distinguished herself by Meritorious service as a Surgical Technologist, 959 Surgical Operations Squadron, 59th Medical Group, 59 Medical Wing, Brooke Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Texas. During this period, Airman Imel supported BAMC Level 1 trauma center that covers 28 operating rooms, 297 providers, 12 surgical specialties and 55 clinics for the city of San Antonio. Additionally, she oversaw the Plastics team as the lead tech enhancing the knowledge of 43 technicians with a brand new fat grafting system which helped decrease surgical delays and strengthened DOPS capabilities. Finally, Airman Imel's outstanding performance contributed to her being personally selected by surgeons for their most critical cases and the flight earning the Squadron of the Quarter. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Imel reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman distinguished herself by meritorious service as an Aerospace Medical Services Journeyman, 20th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, 20th Medical Group, 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. During this period, Senior Airman was certified as an Immunization Back-up Technician and provided more than 4,000 vaccines saving the Group $40,000 in outsourcing costs and enabling the Wing to achieve a 98 percent immunization rate. Airman was pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic and volunteered 36 hours to administer 1,200 vaccines and performed 240 tests which cleared 200 members for a CENTCOM mission. Additionally, she augmented the Pediatric Clinic for 5 weeks and completed 5 newborn screenings and 175 appointments while training one technician which increased their manning by 50 percent and retained the Group $18,000 in referral costs. Finally, Senior Airman filled the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge role for one month in which she led 10 personnel and managed 5,640 encounters, 1,650 telephone consults, and delivered $4 million in care that resulted in earning the Air Combat Command Small Clinic of the Year award in 2021. The distinctive accomplishments of Senior Airman reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Stephanie M. Moreno distinguished herself by meritorious service as a Medical Technician, Operational Medicine Flight, 27th Special Operations Medical Readiness Squadron, 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. During this period, Airman Moreno supported clinic operations for four providers, 9,000 appointments, 300 walk-ins, and 110 procedures, securing access to care requirements and generating 2.1 million dollars in healthcare services. As the Operational Medicine Clinic's Equipment Manager and Supply Custodian, she managed a 34,000 dollar budget, governed 350 medical items, and optimized the inventory process, leading to zero logistical gaps for 4,400 appointments. Additionally, Airman Moreno served as a critical member in executing Coronavirus Disease 2019 mission operations, tested 80 deployers for infection in under 48 hours, and readied the 27th Special Operations Wing for three Combatant Command alerts, surpassing Air Force pre-deployment standards by 50 percent. Furthermore, as President, she headed the 27th Special Operations Medical Group Booster Club, chaired 10 meetings, and directed 20 volunteers, ensuring six successful events and raising a total of 5,000 dollars in funding. Finally, Senior Airman Moreno valiantly responded to a suicidal crisis, coordinated care with two agencies, and secured environmental safety, resulting in a life saved. Her actions and heroic efforts earned her the 27th Special Operations Wing Hard Charger award. The distinctive accomplishments of Senior Airman Moreno reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
During this period, Airman Petty responded to a house fire as the lead firefighter, where he quickly extinguished the fire located in the attic. After putting out the fire, he conducted salvage and overhaul operations, ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and safeguarding adjacent units valued at over one million dollars. Additionally, Airman Petty showcased his capabilities when he responded to a foam activation. He led the rapid removal of two aircraft and 25 members, saving twenty three million dollars in assets, and restored the airfield in less than four hours. Furthermore, Airman Petty was selected as the lead emergency control center operator, where he helped update 25 dispatch checklists, dispatched 214 emergencies, and trained 20 personnel. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Petty reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Airman First Class Destiny K. Starks distinguished herself by meritorious service as Medical Service Account Cashier, 18th Medical Support Squadron, 18th Medical Group, 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan. During this period, Airman Starks drove the collections program for the Resource Management Office. As the lead Third Party Collections Technician, Airman Starks processed nine hundred and twelve patient insurance forms, collecting three hundred and sixty-five thousand dollars, exceeding the Defense Health Agency goal by twenty percent. Additionally, Airman Starks completed sixteen disinterested inventory audits with five hundred and seventy-six controlled items, ensuring zero discrepancies. Furthermore, she rectified seventy-nine statements of difference, correcting thirty-five thousand dollars in erroneous charges. Finally, Airman Starks identified a significant Third Party Collections gap and established training for six clinics, increasing compliance to one hundred percent and recouping seventy-five thousand dollars, contributing to the Pacific Air Force s Resource Management Office Team of the Year for 2021. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Starks reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Master Sergeant Mitchell Howells distinguished himself by meritorious service while assigned to the 62d Medical Squadron, Joint-Base Lewis McChord, Washington. During his humanitarian assignment, Sergeant Howells served as Health Services Manager, where he simultaneously learned a new Air Force Specialty Code and assumed a vacant leadership position in the Patient Administration section. He led a team of five personnel and managed several critical Defense Health Agency programs. Additionally, MSgt Howells led a medical records audit, individually surveying 7,000 records, achieving a Squadron best 98% accountability rate and exceeded the Air Force average by 3%. Furthermore, MSgt Howells worked hand-in-hand with the Patient Evaluation Board Liaison Officer, where they oversaw and removed roadblocks to 150 Medical Evaluation Boards, ultimately supporting the Wing's #1 readiness rate in Air Mobility Command. His keen oversight and mentorship cemented the Air Force's 2022 CMSgt Richard L. Etchberger Team of the Year award. Finally, his outstanding efforts culminated in the Wing's distinction as the AMC 2022 Verne Orr Award recipient. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Howells reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Big W. Bird distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Vehicle Search Area Leader, 332d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, 332d Expeditionary Mission Support Group, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing. During this period, in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, Sergeant Bird led 28 Defenders across two search areas, inspecting 27,000 vehicles and 91,000 local nationals. His efforts led to the seizure of 75 prohibited items, ultimately reinforcing the protection of 63 combat airframes and enabling 3,200 sorties and 176 bombs on target against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Additionally, while battling the worst global pandemic in over 100 years, he managed the issuing of 1,300 installation access credentials daily, ensuring the safety of 3,000 coalition force personnel. Furthermore, Sergeant Bird expedited base access for a joint-service convoy operation for a United States Army Air Defense Artillery unit and enabled the safe transport of over 100 personnel and 10 million dollars in critical warfighting assets. Finally, Sergeant Bird's leadership solidified his section's selection as the squadron's Team of the Month for January and April and the Wing garnering the Meritorious Unit Award. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Bird reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Master Sergeant Manuel V. Santiago Jr., distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Wing Counter Small Unmanned Aerial System Program Manager, 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, 380th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. During this period, in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, Sergeant Santiago oversaw Air Force Central Command's largest Counter Unmanned Aerial System posture with $43 million dollars in detection and defeat capabilities. His leadership successfully protected 7.9 billion dollars in assets and 3,400 coalition personnel while identifying and defeating 11 surveillance drones and three multi-level Houthi missile attacks. Additionally, he benchmarked the Wing's Red Counter Unmanned Aerial System operation plan and the Wing's first ever joint training program, during which he certified 21 Counter Small Unmanned Aerial System Operators and led 33 sorties. His oversight led to the completion of Ninth Air Force's one room project, which included $190 million dollar joint Command, Control, Communications, and Computer System upgrades, nine months ahead of schedule. Furthermore, he oversaw system advancements including the Area of Operation's first TPQ-50 Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar power upgrade, the Base's first ever Fixed Site-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft System Integrated Defeat System, and two additional electronic countermeasure camera system procurements. Finally, Sergeant Santiago's outstanding leadership contributed to his team capturing the Wing's Team of the Quarter twice during his tenure. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Master Sergeant Santiago reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airmen Ryan E Kimball distinguished himself by meritorious service as a Fire Protection journeyman while deployed to an undisclosed location in Iraq from 19 April 2018 to 15 December 2018. During this period, Senior Airmen Kimball showcased fire ground expertise as a driver operator as part of an eleven man team. He responded to five wildland fires totaling over 600 acres and mitigated four in-flight emergencies. His support led to the identification and ventilation of smoke in the highest priority facility on base. While assigned to the emergency medical element, Senior Airmen Kimball's adept coordination abilities with the camps surgeons were instrumental to the foundation of the flights emergency medical operating protocols. His arrangement efforts facilitated the evaluation and replacement of over three hundred twenty expired supplies. Senior Airmen Kimball's superior performance aided in the protection of five hundred coalition personnel and thirty nine million dollars in global response force assets. This included the execution of five thousand three hundred intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat sortie operations resulting in enemies killed in action. The distinctive accomplishments of Senior Airmen Kimball reflect great credit upon himself, the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron, the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
Staff Sergeant Heather M. Vickers distinguished herself by meritorious service as Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Air Defense Element, Analysis, Correlation, and Fusion Flight, 26th Air and Space Intelligence Squadron, 502d Air Operations Group, Directorate of Air and Space Operations, Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Sergeant Vickers’ thorough analysis and inclusion of critical all-source intelligence provided the Joint Force Air Component Commander and key staff with essential information required to make sound tactical decisions, pointed theater assessments and accurate long-term strategic plans. As the sole electronic intelligence operator assigned to the Pacific Air Operations Center, Sergeant Vickers enhanced the center’s intelligence analysis capability by initiating a training program for six element members on the unit’s automated electronic intelligence systems, instructing personnel on systems’ capabilities and proper utilization, thus optimizing readiness in support of warfighters and decision makers. During escalating tensions with North Korea, she contributed to the successful monitoring of the crisis by providing real-time threat reporting and analysis to senior leaders to ensure threat warning and safety of aircrew for over 20 sensitive reconnaissance operations. Sergeant Vickers’ analysis of the United States’ primary adversary’s ground-based and naval air defense capabilities was crucial to the rewrite of the Joint Air Operations Plan, communicating the commander’s guidance in posturing theater combat air forces. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Vickers reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Teddy A. Perez distinguished himself by meritorious service as Supply Management Journeyman, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 49th Mission Support Group, 49th Wing, Holloman Air Force Base New Mexico. During this period, the outstanding professional skill, dedication, and ceaseless efforts of Airman Perez resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success of the 49th Wing. He processed 128 stock number loads and 76 issue requests worth 16 thousand dollars that contributed to the generation of 4,900 sorties. Additionally, Airman Perez streamlined the quality control process for the Delinquent Document program which resulted in 24,000 documents cleared and decreased the delinquent document rate by 52 percent. Furthermore, he assisted with the Headquarters Air Forces’ Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness task. Airman Perez inventoried 200,000 equipment assets and corrected 136 discrepancies worth eight million dollars. Finally, his technical expertise significantly contributed with the Air Combat Command directed Individual Protective Equipment inventory. He inspected and built 450 mobility bags that attained a 98 percent inventory accuracy rate. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Perez reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
First Lieutenant Kelly W. Tabor distinguished himself by meritorious service as Clinical Nurse, 96th Medical Operations Squadron, 96th Medical Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. During this period, Lieutenant Tabor’s exceptional leadership as Charge Nurse supervised the health and recovery of 473 medical, surgical, and pediatric hospitalized patients. He identified and responded to ten emergencies where he directed the lifesaving stabilization and critical care transfers of five neonatal and six adult patients to advanced care. Additionally, Lieutenant Tabor’s manning augmentation of Labor and Delivery operations saved $72.8K in patient transfers. As a preceptor, he worked 1,468 hours readying seven new nurses, increasing mission ready staffing by over 13%. As a Sector Commander in the 2011 Operational Readiness Inspection, Lt Tabor directed multiple responses to a wide spectrum of simulated wartime incidents where his superior execution directly contributed to the Wing’s “Excellent” rating. Lastly, Lieutenant Tabor’s exceptional clinical skills and leadership supported patient education and care contributing to the “Best Hospital” award 2011 and 2012, and the 2012 Joint Commission accreditation and Health Services Inspection “Excellent” rating. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Tabor reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
First Lieutenant Yvonne M. Johnston distinguished herself by meritorious service while assigned to the 407th Supply Chain Management Squadron, 638th Supply Chain Management Group, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. During that time, Lieutenant Johnston’s outstanding professionalism, knowledge, and leadership aided immeasurably in defending retention of unique radar assets worth 36 million dollars; this retention was crucial for long term sustainment of the B-52 Airframe. Additionally, her dedicated efforts as a Logistics Management Specialist led to an overall reduction in customer wait time by 91% ensuring the right part was in the right place at the right time. Finally, Lieutenant Johnston spearheaded an integrated product team in a partnership with the Department of Energy to consolidate multiple engineering efforts for two nuclear certified parts which saved 100 thousand dollars. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Johnston reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.
Airman First Class Paul H. Stanley distinguished himself by outstanding service as an Air Transportation Apprentice, 16th Transportation Squadron, 16th Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida. During this period, he contributed immensely to the deployment, employment, and redeployment phases of the wing's Operational Readiness Inspection, COMMANDO ACTION. While working long stressful hours under austere weather conditions, he interfaced directly with the Deployment Control Center and prepared over 100 load plans. He was also instrumental in executing all facets of the transportation career field by performing aerial delivery, fleet services, passenger and cargo processing, and traffic management functions. His hard work and dedication to duty ensure 1,150 passengers and over 1,000 tons of cargo were flawlessly transported to and from Cecil Field, Florida via air and surface transportation. His involvement directly contributed to the wing receiving an overall "Excellent" rating. In addition, he was recognized by the Air Force Special Operations Command Inspector General as a "Professional Performer". The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Stanley reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Technical Sergeant Gepson J. Auguste distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron, Macdill Air Force Base, Florida. Sergeant Auguste volunteered to support the 6th Security Forces Squadron in support of operation IRAQI FREEDOM. During this period, Sergeant Auguste was appointed Shift Lead of Tanker Way Gate and his meticulous leadership of the morning shift ensured accurate vehicle inspection of over 300 vehicles a day, and expeditiously processing contractors entering the facility. Additionally, Sergeant Auguste was appointed Training Monitor at Tanker Way Gate and was an integral part of his assigned airmen successfully completing their correspondence courses. Furthermore, Sergeant Auguste's leadership was crucial to the successful findings of drug paraphernalia and final denial to base access. Finally, Sergeant Auguste's outstanding professional skill and knowledge aided immeasurably in safe-guarding Macdill Air Force Base. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Auguste reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Erik V. Marsaln distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as an Aerospace Maintenance Craftsman, 728th Air Mobility Squadron, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. During this period, Sergeant Marsaln provided exceptional maintenance capability critical to the completion of over 2,048 combat airlift missions delivering over 11,000 passengers while sustaining an impressive 93 percent maintenance departure reliability rate. More specifically, while performing a basic post inlet and exhaust inspection, Sergeant Marsaln identified and repaired six damaged first stage fan blades, eliminating parts order and mission delay saving Air Force $60K in replacement costs. His actions enabled delivery of essential blood and medical supplies to awaiting forces in Baghdad. Additionally, his expeditious assessment and replacement of a C-17 engine ignition lead under "red ball" time constraints guaranteed zero delay in the delivery of supplies to war fighters in Afghanistan. Finally, his astute leadership was vital to the 728th Air Mobility Squadron moving over 33,000 tons of cargo. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Marsaln reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Airman First Class Hap W. Arnold distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Theater Battle Management System Administrator, 504th Air Communications Squadron, United States European Command, Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany. Before deploying to Joint and Coalition Exercise RED FLAG 00-1, Airman Arnold performed the work of an entire workcenter, single-handedly preparing, deploying, planning, and implementing the full theater battle management equipment compliment. He led a crew of six airmen for three weeks in the loading and marshalling of twelve pallets of equipment valued at over 6 million dollars. Throughout the exercise, Airman Arnold managed Contingency Theater Automated Planning System configuration and databases and kept all networking records, accounts, and databases current on a daily basis ensuring 100 percent accessability and accuracy. His outstanding efforts were directly responsible for exercise success and increased readiness.
Staff Sergeant Melinda C. York distinguished herself by outstanding achievement while assigned to the Special Operations Communications division, 437th Communications Squadron, 437th Support Group, 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina. When contractor installation problems rendered the secure telephone system for special operations inoperable, and the Department of Defense's proposed solution was months, possibly years, away, she was one of three team members who volunteered to tackle the problem. She was an integral part in the planning and putting the solution into action. Working around training schedules and alert and flyig missions, the team worked nights to finish the project in only 7 days. When all was done, the team moved eight 50-foot electrical conduits and totally rewired the system. Her initiative saved the Air Force over thirty thousand dollars and enhanced combat readiness.
Staff Sergeant Carl M. Thoroughgood distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as a mission-essential team member of Operation Fiery vigil, Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines. During this period, Sergeant Thoroughgood's superior performance and outstanding professionalism aided immeasurably in the protection of lives and equipment, and the recovery of operations at Clark Air Base following the volcanic eruptions of Mount Pinatubo. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Thoroughgood reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.