MAY 5, 2025 – Four Airmen received the prestigious service-level Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award at the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes April 30.
Lt. Col. Michael P. Redding, Capt. Brandon W. Seyl, Master Sgt. Erica D. Johnson and Tech. Sgt. Christopher P. Leung II were honored for their exemplary leadership and dedication to the U.S. Air Force mission.
Lt. Col. Michael P. Redding, a U-28A Draco weapons evaluator pilot and strategic planner at U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, served as chief of tactics for the 34th Special Operations Squadron, leading combat training for 135 aviators. As a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School and senior pilot with over 3,000 flight hours, he has deployed eight times to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa supporting various operations.
Capt. Brandon W. Seyl commanded the operations flight within the 2nd Joint Communications Squadron, MacDill AFB, leading the completion of Central Command’s largest navigational aid installation, ensuring safe passage for 2,100 sorties and 15,000 flying hours. He also integrated counter-drone systems into a 32-million-dollar defense center and bolstered international partnerships by leading cybersecurity training for Royal Saudi Air Force officials.
Master Sgt. Erica D. Johnson led 54 Airmen in Explosive Ordnance Disposal at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. directing 84 missions to clear 11 thousand munitions and fueling numerous emergency responses protecting two million people. Her leadership also fostered a NATO partnership, enhancing allied training and resolving seven airbase defense gaps for 32 countries.
Tech. Sgt. Christopher P. Leung II excelled as noncommissioned officer in charge of the Mental Health Clinic at Nellis AFB, leading 68 staff and overseeing a new Intensive Outpatient Program that saved the DoD $800,000 annually. His exceptional leadership resulted in numerous awards, from squadron to Air Force level, including recognition from the chief master sergeant of the Air Force.
“There’s a reason why the [Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award] talks about leadership and performing your duties, not just performing tasks,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “A task is something you can start and complete. Duty is continuing, it’s a responsibility to go beyond a set of particular tasks. It’s a responsibility for the overall mission.”
The Lance P. Sijan award is given to Air Force officers and enlisted personnel who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities. Named after combat pilot and the first U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to receive the Medal of Honor, the award to presented to Airmen who best exemplify Sijan’s leadership qualities such as courage, integrity, perseverance, self-sacrifice and duty.
“These Airmen rose above all the others that were considered and showed they went beyond their everyday tasks and saw it as their duty to help the mission to move forward,” Allvin said. “We should be inspired by them for their commitment to doing their duty, beyond just the tasks, and what that means for us. I couldn’t be more proud to stand here with these airmen.”
Sijan’s younger sister, Janine Sijan-Rozina, attended the event and shared her brother’s story with attendees during the ceremony. Following the heartfelt story, she addressed the awardees directly.
“I know a little about the four of you,” Janine said. “I know you’ve inspired along your life’s path and I know you will continue to inspire. You will inspire people you haven’t even met. And I know something else about you. You protect and defend my grandchildren. As that red, white and blue flag raises every morning, and drops down every evening, you are still protecting, and I am so grateful.”
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs