The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) established the Air Force Academy Distinguished Service Award (DSA) in February 1999. Each year, the USAFA DSA is presented by the Superintendent to a military person, civilian, or group, whose contributions have had a distinct impact on the morale or well-being of the Air Force Academy. Any individual or group who has contributed significantly and directly to the morale or well-being of the Academy through the generous donation of time, resources, or influence is eligible.

Selection Criteria

Award selection is based on an individual’s or group’s accomplishments, which can be described as having had a long-term, positive effect on the morale or well-being of the Academy. Former military and civilian employees are eligible upon termination of employment from the Air Force Academy. However, the USAFA DSA is intended to recognize those individuals who contribute not as part of their official duty but through their personal generosity and dedication to the institution. Personnel currently assigned to the Academy can be considered for the award so long as their contributions were performed outside of their official duties.

Year	Recipient
2023	Colonel (Retired) Michael R. “Randy” Helms ’79 Mr. John Martinson ’70
2021	Colonel (Retired) Robert Munson ’73’
2020	Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Garry W. Dudley ’68
2019	General (Retired) John Lorber ’64
2018	Class of 1970 Gift Committee (aka, the ’70 Heritage Committee) Brigadier General (Retired) Curtis Emery II ’70 Colonel (Retired) Gary Dahlen ’70 Colonel (Retired) Richard Rauschkolb ’70 Colonel (Retired) Michael Torreano ’70
2017	Mr. Carl A. Janssen, Jr. ’68
2016	No award Presented
2015	The Air Force Academy Foundation
2014	Mr. John M. Fox ’63
2013	Dr. Jimmy Covey ’68
2012	Mr. Edward E. “Ted” Legasey ’67
2011	Colonel (Retired) Jock C. H. Schwank ’60
2010	Lieutenant General (Retired) Benjamin N. Bellis ’85
2009	Mr. A. Bart Holaday ’65
2008	General (Retired) James P. McCarthy
2007	Brigadier General (Retired) Malham M. Wakin
2006	Academy Top 3
2005	Major General (Retired) William Lyon
2004	No Award Presented
2003	Colonel (Retired) Joseph and Doctor Dorothy Moller
2002	The Olmsted Foundation
2001	Brigadier General (Retired) Philip J. Erdle
2000	Mr. Harold U. Littrell
1999	Colorado Springs Citizens Committee Lieutenant General (Retired) A. P. Clark

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in conjunction with the Jabara Family and the USAFA AOG established the Colonel James Jabara Airmanship Award in January 1967. Each year the award is presented by the Superintendent and AOG to an active duty USAFA graduate whose airmanship contributions are of such significance as to set them apart from their contemporaries. Each major command (MAJCOM), field operating agency (FOA)–to include National Guard and the Reserve, and direct reporting unit (DRU) may submit one nomination for the award. Retired or separated graduates may be considered and should be nominated by corporate, civilian, government, or other organizations, as appropriate.

Selection Criteria

Award selection is based on airmanship contributions that are of such significance as to set the performer apart from their contemporaries. The definition of airmanship includes feats of aircrew members, as well as exceptional contributions with respect to design, production, or testing of an aerospace vehicle or its subsystems. Nominations will fall into one of the following categories:

• An individual heroic act.
• Sustained superior performance over a period of time. In this category, nominations may cover a broad spectrum ranging from crewmembers of an aerospace vehicle mission to an engineer or manager associated with the development of an aerospace vehicle.

Past Jabara Award Winners:

	*Received Posthumously **Died Subsequently
Year	Recipient	Description
2023	Captain Richard Yount ‘14	U-28A, Afghanistan
2022	Maj Tyler Ringwald ‘11 Capt Eric Goral ‘10 Maj Kirby Wedan ‘12	B-2 pilot, South China Sea B-2 pilot, South China Sea C-17 Weapons Officer, Operation Allies Refuge
2021	Maj Cameron Dilts, ’10	CV-22B Pilot, Iraq
2020	Capt Alexander E. Boules, ’15	A-10, Afghanistan
2019	Col Tyler N. Hague ’98 Maj Caitlin T. Reilly ‘ 07	Astronaut Operations: Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, & Resolute Support
2018	Maj Marc P. Catalano ’06	Iraq, Operation Inherent Resolve & Resolute Support, AC-130U Pilot
2017	Capt Brian R. Guyette, ‘08	Syria, B-1 Instructor Pilot
2016	Maj Matthew J. Kuta, ‘05	Afghanistan, F-15E Pilot
2015	Capt Kyle L. Babbitt, ’08	ACC, A-10 C pilot, OEF
2014	Capt Charles C. Napier, ’06	HH-60G Rescue in Afghanistan
2013	Capt Christopher D. McConnell, ’05	Op Odyssey Dawn (Libya), B-1
2012	Capt Joseph A. Hext, ’02	USAFE, Op Enduring Freedom, A-10 Pilot
2011	Capt Michal P. Polidor, ’04	Global Strike Command, F-15E Pilot
2010	Capt Prichard R. Keely, 04	ACC, F-15E Weapon Systems Officer
2009	Capt Travis A. Burton, ’00 Mr. Chesley B. Sullenberger, ’73	USAFE, A-10 Pilot OEF US Airways Pilot, Hudson River Landing
2008	Capt Jonathan W. Graham, ’99	AETC, Operation Iraqi Freedom MH-53
2006	Maj John E. Vargas Jr., ‘96	USAFE, F-16, OIF, OEF
2005	Lt Col Keith D. Schultz, ‘79	B-52 flight, weapon system development
2004	Maj Jason L. Hanover, ‘92	AFSOC; MC-130H; OEF and OIF
2003	Capt Leighton T. Anderson, Jr., ‘92 Capt Edward J. Lengel, ‘92	Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Operation Anaconda
2002	Maj Henry C. Thompson, ‘87	Operation Allied Force/Northern Watch
2001	Maj Julian M. Chesnutt, ‘89	Operation Allied Force, Fighter Ops
2000	Maj James L. Cardoso, ‘88	Operation Allied Force, Rescue
1998	Capt Daniel E. Flynn, ‘91	Special Operations Excellence
1997	LtCol David J. Scott, ‘78	F-16 Tactics Development / Leadership
1996	LtCol Robert P. Donnelly, Jr, ‘77	Flatyeri, Iceland Rescue
1995	Capt Harold E. Waters, ‘85	RC-135 In-flight Emergency
1994	LtCol James A. Sills, ‘74	Iceland Rescue
1993	Maj Ali C. Frolich, ‘80	Desert Shield / Desert Storm
1992	Maj Corby L. Martin, ‘80	Desert Shield / Desert Storm
1991	Capt William F. Andrews, ‘80	Desert Storm / F-16  Heroic Act
1990	Capt Francis R. Gabreski, ‘8	Tactics Validation / Panama
1989	LtCol Robert H. Schnick, ‘72	F-16 Test Pilot for LANTIRN
1988	Maj Marc D. Felman, ‘76 Capt Thomas M. Ferguson, ‘81	KC-10 Mission over Atlantic KC-10 Mission over Atlantic
1987	Capt James A. Trinka, ‘78	Save F-16 w/ Engine Failure
1986	Maj Larry E. Faber, ‘73	Save TR-1 w/ Engine Failure
1985	Col James N. Allburn, ‘63	X-29 Program
1984	Capt Michael P. Davis, ‘78	Grenada Rescue
1983	Col Karol J. Bobko, ‘59 Maj Neal D. Coyle, ‘72	Maiden Voyage of Challenger B-52 In-flight Emergency
1982	LtCol Robert L. Brenci, ‘63	Iran Hostage Rescue Attempt
1981	Capt William T. Gillin, ‘73	Dutch Liner Rescue
1980	Col Thomas A. LaPlante, ‘61	Excellence in System Management
1979	Maj Mart H. Bushnell, ‘64	F-15 & AIM-7F Sparrow Missile Improvements
1978	LtCol (Dr) Wayne F. Kendall, ‘60	F-15/F-16 Canopy Loss
1977	Maj Roger E. Carleton, ‘67	A-10 T & E
1976	**LtCol Michael V. Love, ‘60	Test Pilot
1975	**Capt Donald R. Backlund, ‘71 Capt Ronald T. Rand, ‘71	Mayaguez Rescue (Pilot) Mayaguez Rescue (Photographer)
1974	*Maj Robert A. Lodge, ‘64	Southeast Asia
1973	Capt Dale E. Stovall, ‘67	SEA/Helicopter Rescue
1972	Maj Richard S. Ritchie, ‘64	Southeast Asia
1971	Capt Neil B. Crist, ‘66	Southeast Asia
1970	Capt (Ret) Wayne A. Warner, ’63	Southeast Asia
1969	Maj Terry R. Jorris, ‘61	Space Sextant (Aerospace Research)
*	Lt Karl W. Richter, ‘64	Southeast Asia
1968	Capt Donald D. Stevens, ‘60	Southeast Asia

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) and the USAFA Association of Graduates (AOG) have established the Distinguished Graduate Award. Each year the award is presented by the Superintendent (HQ USAFA/CC) and the Chairman of the AOG to a USAFA graduate(s), whose lifetime of achievement is of such significance as to set them apart from their contemporaries. More than one individual may be selected during a particular year. The purpose of the award is to:

• Recognize outstanding performance by graduates who have demonstrated a lifetime of exceptional service to the Nation.
• Favorably promote the Air Force Academy and its graduates. Promote and increase awareness of graduate heritage among alumni, cadets, parents, and friends of the Air force Academy.

Selection Criteria

Award selection is based on a lifetime of achievement that is of such significance as to set the individual apart from their contemporaries. The Award will not be given to individuals who occupy, or are candidates for, elective office, or who are still on active duty. Individuals must be alive and agree to accept the Award at the Air Force Academy whenever possible. Posthumous nominations will only be considered in rare instances.

Year	Recipient
2025	Mr. Worth Boisture ’67 Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Susan Helms ’80 Gen. (Ret.) Tod Wolters ‘82
2024	Gen. (Ret.) William Begert ’68 Mr. Jerome Bruni ‘70
2023	Mr. Terrence O’Donnell ’66 Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John Hopper ‘69
2022	Brig Gen (Ret) Hans Mueh ’66 Maj Gen (Ret) Susan Desjardins ’80 Gen (Ret) David Goldfein ’83
2021	Col. (Ret.) Leonard “Lucky” Ekman ’63 Dr. William Wecker ’63 Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Eugene Lupia ’67
2020	Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jay Kelley ’64 Mr. Hugh Williamson ’64 Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Ronald “Ron” Sega ’74 Col. (Ret.) Gail Benjamin Colvin ’80
2019	(Ret.) Leslie Denend ’63 Mr. Fletcher “Flash” Wiley ’65 Gen. (Ret.) Norton “Norty” Schwartz ’73 Gen. (Ret.) Edward Rice Jr. ’78 Mr. John “Jack” Kucera ’78
2018	Gen. (Ret.) Edward R. Jayne II ’66 Col. (Ret.) Dr. H. Michael Lambert ’70 Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III ’76 Brig. Gen. (Ret.) John C. Inglis ’76
2017	John Fox ’63 T. Allan McArtor ’64 Gen. (Ret.) Steve Lorenz ’73
2016	(Ret.) George Lee Butler ’61 Gen. (Ret.) Charles R. Holland ’68 Mr. R. David Yost ’69 Col. (Ret.) Gary E. Payton ’71
2015	(Ret.) Gregory “Speedy” Martin ’70 Paul Madera ’78
2014	Thomas J. Eller ’61 Gen. (Ret.) Kevin P. Chilton ’76
2013	A. Bart Holaday ’65 Gen. (Ret) William R. “Bill” Looney III ’72
2012	Gen. (Ret.) Marcus A. Anderson ’61 Mr. Edward E. “Ted” Legasey ’67
2011	Gen. (Ret.) Ruben A. Cubero ’61 Mr. Richard D. McConn ’66
2010	Max F. James ’64 Gen. (Ret.) Ralph E.Eberhart ’68
2009	(Ret.) John Michael Loh ’60 Honorable Heather A. Wilson ’82
2008	Gen. (Ret.) Donald Shepperd ’62 Mr. John Martinson ’70
2007	Gen. (Ret.) Ervin Rokke ’62 Gregg Popovich ’70
2006	Gen. (Ret.) Robert D. Beckel ’59 Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Edward J. Mechenbier ’64
2005	(Ret.) H.T. Johnson ’59 Gen. (Ret.) Michael E. Ryan ’65
2004	(Ret.) Frederick Gregory ’64 Gen. (Ret.) Ronald W. Yates ’60
2003	Gen. (Ret.) Bradley C. Hosmer ’59 Mr. Richard T. Schlosberg ’65
2002	Paul G. Kaminski ’64 Gen. (Ret.) Robert C. Oaks ’59
2001	(Ret.) Ronald Fogleman ’63 Mr. Harry J. Pearce, ’64

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) and the USAFA Association of Graduates (AOG) have established the Sullenberger Distinguished Achievement Award through a Memorandum of Agreement. The Superintendent (HQ USAFA/CC) and the Chairman of the AOG to a USAFA graduate(s), whose singular act of achievement is of such significance as to set them apart from their contemporaries. More than one individual may be selected during a particular year.

Selection Criteria

Award selection is based on a singular achievement or a series of events within a short duration of time, which is of such significance as to set the individual apart from contemporaries. Individuals must be alive and agree to accept the Award at the Air Force Academy when possible.  Posthumous nominations will only be considered in rare instances. The criteria for the award is the following:

Exemplary performance during a singular act, or series of events within a short duration of time, where the individual demonstrated an achievement well exceeding the expectations for that period of time. For the 2023 Sullenberger Award for Courage we will accept nominations for acts within the year 2023.

• Incident exemplifies the Academy core values of – service before self, excellence in all we do, and integrity
• Act of bravery can occur during a military, civilian, business sector, or community related event
• The incident reflects positively on the Academy and is directly correlated to the training provided by the Academy

Past Sullenberger Award Winners

This award was established in 2020 and was awarded for the first time in 2021.

Year	Recipient
2025	Lt. Col. William Parks ‘07
2024	Capt. Logan Cowan ’18 Capt. Claire Eddins ’18 Capt. Carla Nava ’18 Capt. Kyle Abraham ‘19
2021	Lt. Col. Alexander Pelbath

The USAFA Malham M. Wakin Character and Leadership Development Award offers the institution an official means of recognizing a current or former USAFA permanent party member who has fostered character and leadership development consistent with the Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD) conceptual framework by living honorably, lifting others to their best possible self and elevating performance to a noble and common purpose during the current calendar year, 1 January-31 December.

The award honors Brigadier General Malham M. Wakin, USAF, Retired, who served as Vice-Dean and as head of the Philosophy and Fine Arts Depart