The Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen for 2024 were recognized and honored during the Air and Space Forces Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference at National Harbor, Maryland, Sept. 14-18.
The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year (alphabetically listed, by rank and command of assignment when selected) are:
o Senior Master Sgt. Sarah E. Buckley, Pacific Air Forces
o Senior Airman Jacob K. Cummings, Air Force Special Operations Command
o Tech. Sgt. Cory M. Green, Air Mobility Command
o Senior Airman Mariah L. Hayden, Air Force Materiel Command
o Senior Airman Rachel M. Heath, Air Force Global Strike Command
o Senior Airman LeAnne A. Jayoma, Air Force District of Washington
o Senior Airman Mykhailo Khromiak, Air Education and Training Command
o Tech. Sgt. Jose Lucero IV, Air Force Reserve Command
o Tech. Sgt. Joseph M. Mazure, Air Combat Command
o Master Sgt. Haley M. Kallisto, Air National Guard
o Tech. Sgt. Geraldine C. Schwartz, United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa
o Master Sgt. Genevieve M. Villela, Air Force Materiel Command
Selected for their exceptional leadership, job performance and personal achievement, the 12 Airmen will spend the next year, and the rest of their Air Force careers, being ambassadors for the department.
"Each of you are integral to our Air Force," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi. "It is Airmen like you who are our competitive advantage in an era of Great Power Competition. I look forward to seeing how you will continue to address Air Force challenges and inspire the next generation of Airmen."
These servant leaders embody the Air Force's focus on preparing and leveraging "Mission Ready Airmen" where they demonstrate their technical and leadership skills in their organization while employing their airpower methodology and accomplishing the Air Force mission.
"I was very surprised but honored and humbled when I was notified that I was selected," said Senior Master Sgt. Sarah Buckley, Pacific Air Forces International Affairs specialist. "I have an opportunity to be an ambassador to represent the Air Force as well as a pillar for Airmen to voice their ideas and concerns so I can bring them to senior leadership."
Throughout their time at the conference, the honorees experienced Washington, D.C. with a tour of Arlington National Cemetery, the Capitol building and the Pentagon.
The event culminated with a ceremony and celebration of the achievements of the Airmen. The 12 Outstanding Airmen were also congratulated by DAF senior leaders who showed their appreciation for their hard work, leadership and dedication.
The 12 Outstanding Airmen's first official role will take place at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where they will help mentor and guide future officers of the Air Force and Space Force.
