Air Force announces the Outstanding Airmen for 2025 ... includes two Defenders!!
Published Aug. 19, 2025, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
ARLINGTON, VA (AFNS) --
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 are:
Master Sgt. Aimee F. Pascas, 110th Wing, Battle Creek ANGB, MI
Duty Title: Chief of Information Protection
Organization: 110th Wing Information Protection Office, Battle Creek ANG Base, Mich.
Home of Record: Brooklyn, Mich.
Master Sergeant Pascas demonstrated her expertise and innovative spirit throughout 2024. She led a revolutionary child care beta test and hosted the CMSAF, resulting in a scalable ANG-wide program. Pascas overhauled her wing’s security policies and built an information protection program, contributing to an “Effective” Unit Inspection rating. Selected by DAF leadership, she served as the CMSAF’s Special Projects Officer, managing a $10,000 budget and leading 46 volunteers to ensure a seamless transition between the 19th and 20th CMSAFs. Finally, as Anti-Terrorism Program Manager, she chaired a threat working group in response to local risks, safeguarding 950 wing members and mission continuity. Handpicked for the First Sergeant 2.0 Course, she authored 36 blocks of instruction, standardizing training for 863 first sergeants and reshaping enlisted development across the Air Force.
Master Sgt James B. Vetter, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, IL
Duty Title: Action Officer
Organization: Hq. Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
Home of Record: Aurora, Colo.
He actualized the command’s counter-drone initiative, fielding 24 systems to protect $300 billion in assets and 1 million people across nine combatant commands. He led 386 Airmen through more than 13,000 security hours across 5,000 sorties and built critical staging points supporting crisis response for the Israel-Hamas conflict, U.S. withdrawal from Niger, and Haiti unrest. His efforts enabled movement of 15.4 million pounds of cargo, 1,700 personnel, and $60 million in relief, plus an evacuation plan for 180,000 Americans. Vetter pioneered AMC’s first organic cargo aircraft counter-drone capability, securing $332,000 in funding. He also served as an inspiration to others, leading volunteer events that raised more than $50,000 for outreach programs and earning his master’s in leadership. His efforts inspired his team to collectively complete a grand total of 228 credits and six degrees.)
SrA Roman Bereguta, 21st Comptroller Squadron, Peterson SFB, CO
SrA Amal Djezzar, 99th Contracting Squadron, Nellis AFB, NV
TSgt Jamie A. Gardner, 190th Force Support Squadron, Forbes Field ANGB, KS
MSgt Ryan B. Girard, Mathies NCO Academy, Keesler AFB, MS
MSgt Jurgen H. Kuse, Air Reserve Personnel Center, Buckley SFB, CO
TSgt Selina Ortega, 433rd Training Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX
SSgt Lucas K. Shappell, 934th Civil Engineering Squadron, Minneapolis-St Paul ARS, MN
SSgt Matthew Sanders, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron, Little Rock AFB, AR
TSgt Brandon L. Vazquez, 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Tyndall AFB, FL
SrA Eleanor R. Warren, 192nd Intelligence Squadron, JB Langley Eustis, VA
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.
