In each issue, Air & Space Forces Magazine highlights a few of the everyday heroes whose contributions to the Air Force and Space Force stood out in recent times. This selection is from the May/June 2026 issue. Know someone who deserves recognition? Submit nominations to letters@afa.org.
| Service Member | Unit / Base | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
|
857th Aircraft Maintenance Sq.
Organizer: TSgt Tony Darden
 Photo: Airman 1st Class Heather Amador |
Nellis AFB, NV | The 857th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron invited 19 foster teens, from ages 14 to 17, to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., on April 3 to be part of an “Airman for a Day” tour. The day included visits to the MXG M1 engine back shop, to the 99th Security Forces Squadron’s military dog section, and lunch with an Air Force recruiter. Tech. Sgt. Tony Darden, the event organizer said, “What inspired me most was showing them that the Air Force is a real opportunity for a career.” The event also highlighted community engagement and mentorship. One of the teens said he felt like the Air Force would be a good opportunity for him, and also that the helicopters made him excited about future possibilities. The finale of the day was a visit with the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. |
|
Maj. Joel Loranger
Security Forces Ops Officer
157th Air Refueling Wing  Photo: Tech. Sgt. Alexandra Longfellow |
Al Asad AB, Iraq | Maj. Joel Loranger, Security Forces Operations Officer, 157th Air Refueling Wing, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal on May 2 for his leadership securing Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, while under fire from hostile forces in October 2025. His coordinated base defense and responsive efforts against aerial attack ensured the safety of personnel and other base assets and infrastructure. Maj. Michael Petrin, commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron said, “He’s exactly the kind of leader you want in a challenging environment.” |
|
TSgt. Joseph Dixon
31st Force Support Sq.
 Provided image |
Aviano AB, Italy | Tech. Sgt. Joseph Dixon, 31st Force Support Squadron, Aviano AB, Italy, spotted a devastating motorcycle crash while driving on April 20 and jumped out to help. The critically injured rider’s clothes were ripped to shreds and his shoes flew off 20 feet in the air. Having completed a Tactical Combat Casualty Care course three days earlier, Dixon checked for neck injuries and applied pressure to the victim’s bloody leg, noticing severe trauma. The smell of gas alerted Dixon as well, the motorcycle fuel tank was ruptured and gas was everywhere. He moved all bystanders out of harm’s way. “All that training that you think is redundant, it’s not,” Dixon said. Emergency responders confirmed that he more than likely saved a life that day. |
|
SSgt. Theodore Dudley
603rd Operations Center ISR
 Photo: Tech. Sgt. Timothy Hayden |
Ramstein AB, Germany | Staff Sgt. Theodore Dudley, 603rd Operations Center ISR assessments technician, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, won the 2026 United Services Organization Airman of the Year Award. On Sept. 3, 2025, he woke to a smoke-filled room and ran into the hall, but noticed that no one else was out there—so he started pounding on doors. Dudley helped move residents to safety, one after another by searching floor by floor to lead them to the stairway and out. While turning on his phone’s light, he unknowingly activated his camera’s record function and was able to help with the fire investigation, leading to the detainment of an onsite suspected arsonist. Dudley said, “I was more focused on other people rather than myself. … I don’t think I felt fear until afterward.” |
|
Remi Steinert
Son of TSgt. Alec Steinert
595th Aircraft Maintenance Sq.  Photo: Senior Airman Zachary Jakel |
Grand Ole Opry, Nashville | Remi, son of Tech. Sgt. Alec Steinert, 595th Aircraft Maintenance Sq., and spouse Jessica, made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville playing the drums—and he’s only 3 years old. After receiving a drum set at 18 months old Remi began to hold the beat after hearing songs one time. Jessica shared it on social media for family and friends to enjoy, and it soon gained over 4 million views. Remi was born with a heart defect and had open heart surgery early on. His parents played music for him all the time. Once he recovered from surgery, he entered and won a contest to play with the band at the Opry. On Dec. 16, 2025, Remi joined them onstage for a rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy.” |
|
SSgt. Sheldon Cox
132nd Communications Sq.
Iowa ANG  Courtesy photo Photo: Phoenix Reborn Team  Photo: Master Sgt. Michael Kelly SSgt. Sheldon Cox holds his individual trophy from the Armed Forces ESports Championship. |
Philadelphia, PA | Staff Sgt. Sheldon Cox, a cyber transport specialist from the 132nd Communications Sq, Iowa ANG, earned MVP honors during several rounds of the Armed Forces ESports competition on April 25 in Philadelphia, leading the Air Force team win to the Championship trophy. The top gamers from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force all competed. Cox competed as “Phoenix Reborn,” which he said reflects his mindset toward competition and personal growth. Being able to play in person, instead of online, serves as an example of how teamwork, adaptability, and resilience can translate from the virtual to military arena. |