Excellence took center stage as the Air Force Materiel Command honored its top performers during the 2024 Annual Excellence Awards virtual ceremony April 3 at AFMC headquarters at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Nominees from across the AFMC enterprise — including headquarters, centers, wings and Space Force installations—competed in 18 categories, showcasing the best in leadership, teamwork and mission success.
Gen. Duke Z. Richardson, AFMC commander, led the virtual ceremony, recognizing the achievements that drive the command forward.
“The nominees demonstrated unwavering dedication to our mission, to our values, and they've ensured our ability to continue to defend our nation in perpetuity,” Richardson said. “They truly inspire the next generation of Airmen, reminding us of the importance of perseverance and continuous improvement.”
Chief Master Sgt. Bill Fitch, AFMC command chief master sergeant, emphasized how the winners' commitment to excellence not only enhances operational readiness but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement, setting the standard for the entire Air and Space Forces.
“The names we honor here have set the example and raised the standards for those who will follow them,” Fitch said. “They are proof that commitment, ingenuity and teamwork still matter — that pushing boundaries and solving problems is what makes the difference. We also recognize the greater impact of their collective works, because what we do here at AFMC doesn't just stay in these walls. What we do shapes the future of our Air Force.”
The 2024 AFMC winners are:
U.S. AIR FORCE ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS
Gimmel plays a crucial role in supporting five provider care teams, ensuring more than 5,500 active-duty beneficiaries receive top-tier care through 22,000 patient encounters annually.
He led the co-launch of the group’s first "one-stop pediatrics immunizations" initiative, which successfully delivered over 1,000 vaccinations, increased appointment availability by 240 slots, and boosted access by 31% — all contributing to the treatment facility’s prestigious national five-star patient experience rating.
As the lead field response technician, he led a six-member accountability and triage team, excelling in the Air Force’s Ready Eagle II exercise. His team seamlessly coordinated with two installation and five civilian agencies, providing critical treatment to 50 mass-casualty patients — strengthening the medical group’s response capabilities and safeguarded 39,000 base personnel, earning multiple accolades.
Gimmel was also the driving force in the quarterly training program, instructing nine courses and significantly increasing the group’s operational readiness rates. His expertise and leadership ensure that his medical team remains prepared to deliver lifesaving care in any scenario.
McMahon oversees Mission Readiness Training for eight major commands, the U.S. Space Force and two direct reporting units within the Air Force’s largest career field — impacting 38,000 Total Force Airmen. As the critical link between Headquarters Air Force and the field, McMahon ensures training requirements are met, validates mission necessities and upholds policy compliance for multiple elite courses and Ranger training.
McMahon’s innovation revolutionized MRT seat distribution by developing a self-enrollment system that streamlined processing for 4,000 spots across 19 courses, cutting administrative burdens and enhancing accessibility. Additionally, by implementing a data-driven allocation strategy, he solved a nine-year inefficiency, optimizing seat utilization to an elite 98% — a 7% improvement that ensures units receive the training they need when they need it.
McMahon also attended the inaugural Combat Support Instructor Course, mastering deployment exercises, planning, and shooting concepts to further refine mission preparedness to ensure that both in-garrison and expeditionary missions receive the training resources essential for success.
Lazurka led AFMC’s second-largest Tricare team, overseeing 55 personnel who supported 40 clinics and 350 providers. Their efforts ensured the seamless delivery of $93 million in healthcare services to 62,000 beneficiaries. Through innovative process improvements, her team deceased patient notification timelines from one hour to just 15 minutes, enhancing responsiveness and compassion in critical moments.
Lazurka was instrumental in guiding an 18-member team through an extensive audit of 6,000 patient charts, identifying 286 missing files and correcting 800 errors — achieving a 99.9% accountability rate, boosting efficiency by 35%, and earning leadership recognition for her team’s excellence.
She also commanded a 32-member joint task force providing 24/7 White House support, augmenting the U.S. Secret Service with 168 hours of manpower. Her strategic coordination surged first responder capacity by 60%, reinforcing national security efforts at the highest level.
Arscott serves two units and demonstrates unparalleled dedication to the development, readiness and well-being of 536 personnel. She leads, mentors and develops Airmen, civilians and their families to ensure mission readiness. She is the focal point for all recognition, mentoring, education, administrative actions, and housing and family issue resolution.
She restored 138 Airmen to mission-critical positions, ensuring their readiness and ability to execute at the highest levels. She led 11 leadership panels and five seminars, aligning 150 noncommissioned officers with the Enlisted Airmanship Continuum.
As the First Sergeant Council president, she mentored 41 peers through 82 hours of professional development. Her leadership in Operation WARM HEART secured $16,000 in support for 24,000 joint personnel, fostering partnerships across five major commands and reinforcing a culture of care and excellence.
Johnson ensures the security of 19,500 personnel, safeguarding test and evaluation operations for cutting-edge Air Force platforms and technologies. As the leader of 300 Security Forces professionals, he plays a critical role in protecting the second-largest installation in the Air Force.
He established initial operational capability for the Base Aerial Defense Center, integrating four counter unarmed aerial vehicle technologies that successfully defended against nine incursions.
Johnson founded a 50-person federal Task Force with FBI and DHS capabilities, an initiative that received personal praise from the Deputy Secretary of Defense and set a new career field priority. Johnson established AFMC’s first security forces squadron weapons and tactics program, enhancing force readiness and operational effectiveness.
He led 163 Airmen on the 412th Test Wing’s first Force Generation deployment, ensuring Air Force readiness at a time of heightened global tensions.
Hubbard is a leader of agile development and sustainment for the $80 million Defensive Space Electronic Warfare Program of Record. He plays a pivotal role in securing critical communication links across three unified combatant commands.
He led a 30-member, multi-service team to address 27 urgent operational requirements in direct response to two contingency operations. Managing the sustainment of eight deployed weapon systems worldwide, he guaranteed 24/7 Total Force support, achieving a 100% success rate across all areas of responsibility.
He guided a $22 million AI-driven initiative, revolutionizing the Space Force’s ability to geolocate satellite signal jamming capabilities. His efforts cut new signal acquisition timelines from one year to just two days, significantly enhancing operational agility in an era of rapid technological advances.
Hubbard also led a massive $33 million system overhaul, leveraging a 52% hardware reuse rate to maximize efficiency. This initiative successfully closed 38 emerging operational requirements, bolstering defensive electronic warfare capabilities across three combatant commands.
As the fire captain of a four-person engine company at the Air Force’s largest installation, Shalduha plays a pivotal role in safeguarding 726 square miles and over 550,000 people across three counties. His dedication to protecting critical military assets — including aircraft, hazardous material sites and sensitive research facilities — ensures the safety and operational readiness of the Air Force mission.
As station chief of 24 firefighters, Shalduha led command and control efforts during multiple major accident responses, directly contributing to the rescue of six individuals and saving $1.6 million in installation property. His strategic oversight extended to airfield and flightline licensing for 189 firefighters across 10 fire stations, supporting the busiest air traffic operation in the Air Force.
He spearheaded emergency driver’s training for 18 firefighters and instructed nine courses, increasing the flight’s driver/operator pool by 33%. Additionally, his mentorship enabled four Airmen to complete their five-level upgrade training three months ahead of schedule, accelerating mission readiness. His team’s preparedness and execution earned a “flawless” rating on the inspector general inspection, solidifying their reputation for operational excellence.
Meneses plays a vital role in advancing nuclear modernization, ensuring financial precision and mission success. As a lead financial manager in the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, she expertly formulates and executes multiple budgets, directly enabling critical program milestones.
She oversees travel operations for approximately 260 government and military personnel executing 300 TDYs annually. Her keen financial expertise ensures smooth operations, eliminating bottlenecks and keeping her team mission ready.
She managed all financial aspects of a first-ever program event, skillfully overseeing $146 million in transactions. Her diligence prevented work stoppages and ensured timely equipment modifications.
Her strategic foresight and advocacy secured $15 million through four unfunded requests, successfully coaching three teams to navigate complex funding challenges. These efforts directly safeguarded against program delays and reinforced the Secretary of Defense’s priority of strategic nuclear deterrence.
Uren manages and sustains the Air Force’s $13 billion vehicle and vehicular equipment fleet, ensuring total asset visibility and mission readiness across the enterprise. Leading a team of 32 military and civilian Airmen, he oversees 96,000 vehicle requirements and balances procurement, lifecycle management and global contingency support to keep the force agile and operationally ready.
His expertise in fleet optimization and policy development directly impacts 10 major commands and 7,800 technicians across 307 locations. He executed a Headquarters Air Force directive to validate 13,000 vehicle requirements across 13 installations, verifying 436 assets and eliminating 33 surplus authorizations — resulting in a $22 million cost savings while ensuring compliance with federal efficiency mandates.
Uren was instrumental in supporting the largest presidential movement in over three years, working with Air Mobility Command logistics to source 74 vehicles from 26 continental U.S. locations for two overseas diplomatic missions spanning 14 destinations.
U.S. SPACE FORCE ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS
Bereguta oversees a four-member team that supports the Space Force’s largest installation budget. His efforts directly impact more than 18,400 military, civilian and contractor personnel across 23 bases and 122 joint partners worldwide, ensuring financial efficiency and mission readiness.
Bereguta was deployed for 189 days and played a crucial role in global security efforts, serving as a trilingual interpreter for 380 high-level strategic meetings. As command-and-control liaison officer, he facilitated early warning alerts for over 4,000 ballistic missile launches and 3,000 air incursions, safeguarding 43 million lives and 98 aircraft.
He identified and recouped $25,000 in entitlement shortfalls for 57 augmentees and collaborated with 10 deltas to create an onboarding standard operation procedure for three bases, preventing future debt issues for 350 Airmen and Guardians annually. His financial acumen ensures the continued well-being of service members while reinforcing operational efficiency.
Camille demonstrated unparalleled leadership and expertise across multiple mission-critical domains, earning command recognition for driving operational excellence. By authoring 59 plans that resolved 91% of the section’s discrepancies, he significantly improved readiness and efficiency, setting a new standard for operational success.
He co-led the annual seven-day F.E. Warren AFB exercise, ensuring mission readiness for high-stakes operations. He taught three classes and developed 20 hours of emergency call scenarios, enhancing the skills of 25 personnel across five bases. Additionally, he established a vital partnership with the Air Force Academy, leading a three-day basic cadet training, where he mentored 102 cadets in land navigation, troop leading and counter-assault skills, shaping the next generation of Air Force leaders.
He led five counter-IED missions that directly influenced Secret Service standard operating procedures after two assassination attempts. He ensured the safety of top U.S. officials, including sweeping 91 packages, 250 vehicles, and 27,000 square feet of facilities, as well as clearing the U.S. Embassy in the United Arab Emirates following a military working dog detection alert—effectively protecting the President and Vice President of the United States.
As the installation Tactical Combat Casualty Care Program Manager, he certified nine instructors and led 27 medical courses, training 260 personnel and preparing 64 for deployment.
Rowe oversees seven support sections, guiding a team of 25 personnel in executing critical mission support. He manages the acquisition and oversight of a $2.2 million unit budget and $8.1 million in equipment, ensuring the availability of essential assets — including plans, supplies and weaponry — for 518 Airmen conducting daily operations and contingency missions.
Rowe also leads the marksmanship program for over 3,500 Delta and tenant unit personnel, ensuring they meet in-garrison and Air and Space Expeditionary Force readiness requirements. His extensive security forces background includes key roles such as flight chief, security forces trainer, standardization and evaluations, and enlisted aide to the 20th Air Force commander.
He deployed in support of Operation JUNIPER SHIELD, demonstrating his commitment to global security efforts. He served as section chief of training for the 30th Security Forces Squadron, where he played a vital role in shaping force readiness.
McCammon ensures the health, morale and welfare of Airmen, Guardians and their families while upholding the highest standards. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening mission readiness and reinforcing a culture of dignity and respect within the force.
McCammon led 38 base operations support Airmen across 12 job specialty codes to establish the first expeditionary base bed-down at a strategic location in under 24 hours. His swift and decisive actions enabled 26 sorties for four F-16s, enhancing multinational interoperability in a high-threat environment.
He guided three command teams through the DAF Force Generation launch and command-and-control reorganization, optimizing force deployment and operational efficiency. His training of 226 Airmen enabled the establishment of the first two mission generation force elements, directly fueling 1,000 sorties; 350 intelligence collection hours; and two no-notice, presidentially directed deployments.
Taylor commands eight flights and 423 personnel, ensuring unparalleled security for one of the Department of Defense’s most targeted installations. Under his leadership, his team swiftly responded to 120 foreign national entry attempts, executed three successful drug interdictions, and managed 10 major vehicle accidents. His efforts safeguarded 29,000 annual visitors, 118,000 acres and the 46-mile coastline surrounding the base.
He oversees base defense operations supporting the Space Force, SpaceX, NASA and United Launch Alliance, securing 2,000 facilities and controlling security measures for 86 protection level assets, including eight U.S. Strategic Command missile defense areas valued at $11 billion.
He led the realignment of security requirements for U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command and Space Systems Command. Despite a 40% manpower shortfall and a 300% increase in launch operations, he optimized the base defense strategy, directly enabling the Joint Chiefs' $2.3 billion launch mission.
As the commander of the largest Space Force civil engineering flight and Vandenberg’s most extensive unit, Wittman oversees 317 Airmen. Under his leadership, his team successfully executed 8,000 tasks and projects, ensuring the sustainment of the Air Force’s third-largest base and safeguarding $11 billion in infrastructure. His efforts directly supported 37 space launches, reinforcing national security and space operations.
He spearheaded the Air Force’s only fire dozer team, crafting an innovative two-week academy that brought together four civil engineering squadrons across four major commands. His initiative resulted in national certifications for 20 Airmen, enhancing force readiness and emergency response capabilities.
Wittman directed nine Emergency Operations Center activations, guiding 75 Airmen in the protection of critical installation facilities, over 1 million local residents, and high-stakes SpaceX and Department of Defense test missions. Additionally, he revolutionized launch support operations, implementing a standby strategy that saved 220 man-hours per launch, optimizing mission efficiency.
Villalobos is a dedicated leader in emergency response operations, ensuring crew readiness and mentoring the next generation of firefighters. He plays a vital role in fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials incidents and emergency medical care — protecting mission-essential assets, personnel and critical infrastructure.
As a master training instructor, he delivered 56 lectures, led 12 exercise scenarios and conducted 67 clinical hours, totaling 34 continuing education credits. His efforts directly contributed to job-proficiency credentials for 52 first responders, strengthening the unit’s operational effectiveness.
His quick actions in the field were lifesaving — he was the first on the scene for an unconscious patient, where he expertly applied advanced life-support measures, utilizing an automated external defibrillator to restore a shockable rhythm and successfully revive the individual.
He directed the Space Force’s first-ever $70 million congressional mandate to transition to nontoxic fire suppression foam. By eliminating 1,200 gallons of carcinogenic inventory, he safeguarded the water supply for 400,000 local residents, setting a new standard for safety and sustainability.
Pope led 54 Total Force Airmen across eight shifts, ensuring the protection of $2 billion in infrastructure critical to a $24 billion space launch mission, which draws 375,000 visitors annually. His leadership was instrumental in overseeing the plan review process, guiding 26 projects within a $1.1 billion portfolio to enhance base readiness and operational capability.
He provided crucial insights to 16 agencies and served as a key advisor to the Emergency Operations Center director during hurricane response efforts. His strategic assessment of post-storm damages — totaling $5 million across 14 facilities — enabled the base to return to full mission capability in under 72 hours.
He spearheaded the acceptance test for a $14.8 million fuel yard renovation, restoring access to 1.4 million gallons of jet fuel. This critical upgrade directly supported 1,200 sorties across three wings and sustained the Department of the Air Force’s sole $2.2 billion Air Force Reserve Command rescue mission.
Parmenter leads an 18-member team in managing the Space Force’s largest sustainment portfolio — 178 projects valued at $802 million — supporting 78 mission partners, 26 geographically separated units and $6.1 billion in critical infrastructure.
He oversaw the relocation of Space Training and Readiness Command and Delta 10 headquarters, the Secretary of the Air Force’s top basing action, while simultaneously directing a five-year, $932 million field command bed-down, enhancing operational capabilities for over 500 joint personnel.
He streamlined contract award processes to validate 65 construction procurement packages worth $17 million, ensuring alignment across three installations with the $1.3 billion "Spaceport of the Future" initiative.