AFA Almanac 2023

Retired Lt. Gen. Burt Field has been appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of the Air & Space Forces Association. A 1979 graduate of the Air Force Academy, Field was an F-16 pilot and Weapons School graduate—and former Commandant—who served 35 years in uniform.

Gen. Howell M. Estes III, whose last Air Force assignments were as commander of NORAD and U.S. and Air Force Space Commands, has died at age 82. Estes flew 169 missions in the Vietnam War and commanded the super-secret F-117 fighter unit.

The 22nd Space Operations Squadron, Detachment 1 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., is the winner of the Polaris Award for Team Excellence for embodying all four core Guardian Values in 2023.

An F-16 fighter pilot was recognized on Feb. 7 for saving his aircraft from a near-disastrous mishap two years ago.

The U.S. Space Force selected Capt. Samantha J. Pereira of the 3rd Space Operations Squadron (3 SOPS) at Schriever Space Force Base, Colo., as the winner of the Polaris Award for Courage for “championing new ideas, accepting smart risks and pursuing opportunities for innovation and mission success” in 2023.

The U.S. Space Force selected 1st Lt. Jonathan Novak of the 3rd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base, Colo., as the winner of the Polaris Award for Commitment for “displaying devotion to personal development and self-improvement, utilization of resources, and unique strengths and skills” in 2023.

The U.S. Space Force selected Maj. Jessica M. Pratt of the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Wing in Colo. as the winner of the Polaris Award for Connection for “developing, growing, and sustaining connections while treating everyone with dignity, empathy, and respect” in 2023. Pratt played an integral role…

The Air Force Historical Foundation has announced the 432nd Wing, Ret. Lt. Gen. Susan Helms and Benjamin Lambeth will receive its premier awards for 2023.

The U.S. Space Force selected Tech. Sgt. Isabel F. Childress of the 1st Delta Operations Squadron, Detachment 1, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, as the winner of the Polaris Award for Character for “personifying integrity, honesty, candor, fairness, accountability, and transparency” in 2023.