Brian Dietrick
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Excellence took center stage as the Air Force Materiel Command honored its top performers during the 2024 Annual Excellence Awards virtual ceremony, at AFMC headquarters here April 3.
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 winner’s 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
U.S. SPACE FORCE ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS
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[item title="AIRMAN OF THE YEAR: Senior Airman Roman Bereguta, Certification Team Lead, 21st Comptroller Squadron, Space Base Delta 1, Peterson SFB, Colorado"]
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, including 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.[/item]
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[item title="NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Tech. Sgt. Christopher Camille, EOD Logistics Section Chief, 21st Civil Engineering Squadron, Peterson SFB, Colorado"]
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 Air Force Base 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, led 27 medical courses, training 260 personnel and preparing 64 for deployment.[/item]
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[item title="SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Master Sgt. Richard Rowe, Logistics Section Chief, 30th Security Forces Squadron, Vandenberg SFB, California"]
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.[/item]
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[item title="FIRST SERGEANT OF THE YEAR: Master Sgt. Ryan McCammon, First Sergeant, Space Base Delta 2, Buckley SFB, Colorado"]
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 beddown 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 Air Force 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.[/item]
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[item title="COMPANY GRADE OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Capt. Travis Taylor, Operations Officer, 30th Security Forces Squadron, Vandenberg SFB, California"]
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 U.S. 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.[/item]
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[item title="FIELD GRADE OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Maj. Christopher Wittman, Operations Flight Commander, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, Vandenberg SFB, California"]
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 Department 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 Department of 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 one 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.[/item]
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[item title="CIVILIAN CATEGORY I OF THE YEAR: Francisco Villalobos, Lead Firefighter, Fire and Emergency Services, Buckley SFB, Colorado"]
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 a LifePak monitor 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 non-toxic 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.[/item]
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[item title="CIVILIAN CATEGORY II OF THE YEAR: John Pope Jr., Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention, Fire and Emergency Services, Space Launch Delta 45, Patrick SFB, Florida"]
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.[/item]
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[item title="CIVILIAN CATEGORY III OF THE YEAR: Robert Parmenter, Program Management Element Chief, 45th Civil Engineer Squadron, Space Launch Delta 45, Patrick SFB, Florida"]
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.[/item]
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CIVILIAN CATEGORY III OF THE YEAR: Robert Parmenter
Program Management Element Chief, 45th Civil Engineer Squadron, Space Launch Delta 45, Patrick SFB, Florida 
CIVILIAN CATEGORY II OF THE YEAR: John Pope Jr.
Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention, Fire and Emergency Services, Space Launch Delta 45, Patrick SFB, Florida 
CIVILIAN CATEGORY I OF THE YEAR: Francisco Villalobos
Lead Firefighter, Fire and Emergency Services, Buckley SFB, Colorado 
FIELD GRADE OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Maj. Christopher Wittman, Operations Flight Commander, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, Vandenberg SFB, California 
COMPANY GRADE OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Capt. Travis Taylor, Operations Officer, 30th Security Forces Squadron, Vandenberg SFB, California 
FIRST SERGEANT OF THE YEAR: Master Sgt. Ryan McCammon, First Sergeant, Space Base Delta 2, Buckley SFB, Colorado 
SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Master Sgt. Richard Rowe, Logistics Section Chief, 30th Security Forces Squadron, Vandenberg SFB, California 
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Tech. Sgt. Christopher Camille, EOD Logistics Section Chief, 21st Civil Engineering Squadron, Peterson SFB, Colorado 
AIRMAN OF THE YEAR: Senior Airman Roman Bereguta
Certification Team Lead, 21st Comptroller Squadron, Space Base Delta 1, Peterson SFB, Colorado 
CIVILIAN CATEGORY III OF THE YEAR: Robert Uren, Jr.
Fleet Support Flight Chief, 441st Vehicle Support Chain Operations Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia 
CIVILIAN CATEGORY II OF THE YEAR: Zoraida Meneses
Financial Management Specialist, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Eglin AFB, Florida 
CIVILIAN CATEGORY I OF THE YEAR: Nathan Shalduha
Fire Captain, Fire and Emergency Services, Eglin AFB, Florida 
FIELD GRADE OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Maj. Brandon Hubbard, Acquisition Program Manager, Cryptologic and Cyber Systems Division, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas 
COMPANY GRADE OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Capt. Alexander Johnson, Operations Officer, 412th Security Forces Squadron, Edwards AFB, California 
FIRST SERGEANT OF THE YEAR: Master Sgt. Adriana Arscott
78th Communications Directorate and 78th Operations Support Squadron, Robins AFB, Georgia 
SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Master Sgt. Michele Lazurka, Tricare Operations and Patient Administration Flight Chief, 88th Medical Support Squadron, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Tech. Sgt. Guthrie McMahon, Security Forces MAJCOM Functional Manager, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas 
AIRMAN OF THE YEAR: Airman 1st Class Lance Gimmel
Aerospace Medical Technician, 88th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 
Gen. Duke Z. Richardson, commander, Air Force Materiel Command, makes opening remarks during the 2024 AFMC Annual Excellence Awards at Headquarters, AFMC on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio April 3, 2025. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Dietrick)