AF seeks 2017 BIG Meritorious Service Award nominees Published Feb. 28, 2017 By Staff Sgt. Alexx Pons Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- The Air Force is seeking nominations for the 2017 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award. The BIG award honors military members and Defense Department civilian employees who have supported the DOD mission or overseas contingency operations, or whose attributes best epitomize the qualities and core values of their service branch or other DOD component. Each major command, field operating agency and direct reporting unit may submit two nominations; these packages are due to the Air Force Personnel Center by April 14. For more information about Air Force personnel programs, go to myPers. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following these instructions.