Air Force Announces the Outstanding Airmen for 2025

AUGUST 20, 2025 – Air Force officials selected the service’s top enlisted members, naming the Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2025.

This year, the Air Force enhanced the program to more accurately recognize the exceptional contributions of its enlisted members.

The redesign places a greater emphasis on individual merit. This selection process enables the Air Force to identify and celebrate the most outstanding Airmen, noncommissioned officers and senior NCOs across active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

Nominees participated in a comprehensive three-day assessment and selection event. This experience included an in-person board interview, supplementing the traditional records-only review.

The Outstanding Airmen of the Year (listed alphabetically) are:

Senior Airman Roman Bereguta, 21st Comptroller Squadron, Peterson Space Force Base
Senior Airman Amal Djezzar, 99th Contracting Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base
Tech. Sgt. Jamie A. Gardner, 190th Force Support Squadron, Forbes Field Air National Guard Base
Master Sgt. Ryan B. Girard, Matheise NCO Academy, Keesler Air Force Base
Master Sgt. Jurgen H. Kuse, Air Reserve Personnel Center Accessions Division, Buckley Space Force Base
Tech. Sgt. Selina Ortega, 433rd Training Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland
Master Sgt. Aimee F. Pascas, 110th Wing, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base
Staff Sgt. Lucas K. Shappell, 934th Civil Engineering Squadon, Minneapolis-St Paul Air Reserve Station
Staff Sgt. Matthew Sanders, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base
Tech. Sgt. Brandon L. Vazquez, 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base
Master Sgt. James B. Vetter, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base
Senior Airman Eleanor R. Warren, 192nd Intelligence Squadron, Joint Base Langley Eustis

The winners are authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon with the bronze service star device. They are also authorized to wear the OAY badge for one year from the date of formal presentation.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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