ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- The Department of the Air Force recently announced the winners of the 2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations and the Nuclear and Missile Operations Award.
These awards recognize the accomplishments of Airmen contributing to nuclear deterrence operations across the Department of the Air Force and the achievements of officers within the nuclear and missile operations career field.
“The Nuclear Deterrence Operations Award Program enhances the visibility of the many Airmen who support these operations and recognizes outstanding achievement across the nuclear enterprise,” said Lt. Gen. James C. Dawkins, Jr., Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration deputy chief of staff. “These outstanding nuclear professionals have shown themselves to be the best of the best.”
These nuclear professionals were selected from all major commands, unified combatant commands and agencies, which includes the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. These individuals are authorized to wear the Air Force Recognition Ribbon.
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Award winners:
2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Jenny L. Rose
2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. John M. Rasband
2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Andrew J. Rapsavage
2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Samuel T. Darnell
2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Mason W. Kehs
2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Civilian Category I: Mr. Jason A. Aven
2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Civilian Category II: Mr. Jerald L. Rogers
2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Civilian Category III: Dr. Gretchen R. Phelps
2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Guard or Reservist of the Year: Master Sgt. Frances D. Christian
2020 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Professional Team of the Year: Global Strike Munitions Division, Air Force Global Strike Command
Nuclear and Missile Operations Award winners:
2020 Nuclear & Missile Operations Operator of the Year: Capt. David M. Barnhart
2020 Nuclear & Missile Operations Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Jeffrey M. Mattheis
2020 Nuclear & Missile Operations Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Alex S. Rich
This award program has been administered and overseen by the Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration deputy chief of staff since 2014.