Department of the Air Force announces the 12 Outstanding Airmen for 2021
By Staff Sgt. Kiana Pearson, Air Force’s Personnel Center Public Affairs, 9 July 2021
U.S. Air Force graphic by Staff Sgt. Kiana Pearson
Air Force officials have selected the service’s top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2021.
An Air Force selection board at the Air Force’s Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Headquarters Air Force. The board selected the 12 Airmen based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements.
Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year (alphabetically, by command of assignment when selected):
SMSgt Marcus D. Banks, Pacific Air Forces
TSgt Christopher M. Bennett, Air Education and Training Command
TSgt Justin D. Bennett, USAFE-AFAFRICA, 48 SFS, Lakenheath AB, UK
TSgt Kelli A. Floyd, Air Combat Command
SSgt Valerie M. Graw, Air Force Materiel Command
SSgt Colleen F. Mitchell, Air Force District of Washington
SrA Giovanni Pacheco, Airman Support United States Space Force
SSgt Kristy L. Riley, Air Force Reserve Command
SSgt Alex M. Sandmann, Air Force Global Strike Command, 5 SFS, Minot AFB, ND
SMSgt Mark R. Schneider II, Air National Guard
SrA Jamonica M. Smith, Air Mobility Command, 87 SFS, JBMDL, NJ
MSgt Hannah E. Walters, Air Force Special Operations Command
The winners are authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon with the bronze service star device on the ribbon. They are also authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year badge for one year from the date of formal presentation.
