JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- -- U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, honored PACAF's Outstanding Airmen of the Year at the Tradewinds Enlisted Club, Apr. 28, 2025.
Schneider and Chief Master Sgt. Katie McCool, PACAF Command Chief, invited numbered air force commanders, wing commanders, command chiefs and spouses to congratulate the winners.
“We are honored to be joined by the best and brightest of Pacific Air Forces,” Schneider said. “These Airmen set the bar high - they set the example for our capable force.”
The annual awards program recognizes the Airmen who best exemplify excellence in their job, off-duty education, and volunteerism within their communities.
McCool likened the award winners to a player catching the ball in a football game.
“Catching the ball is just the beginning, and I hope you cherish this moment to jump up and down with excitement,” McCool said, “because now, you must run with it. You are not just award winners; you are role models.”
The 2024 Pacific Air Forces Outstanding Airmen of the Year are:
- Amn: SrA Diana L. Santacruz Yepez,18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan
- NCO: TSgt Amanda F. Skidmore, 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan
- Honor Guard Program Manager: SSgt Damian Hernandez Ramirez, 374th Force Support Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan
- SNCO: SMSgt Caleb S. Schauder, 554th RED HORSE Squadron, Andersen AFB, Guam
- First Sergeant: SMSgt Emily L. DeJesus, 51st Civil Engineering Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea
- CGO: Capt. Andrew S. Fenner, Pacific Air Forces A4, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
- Civ Cat I: Sang Song Kim, 51st Comptroller Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea
- Civ Cat II: Donald Kuehl, 374th Security Forces Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan
- Civ Cat III: Yazmine M. Esquivel, 15th Maintenance Group, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
Having won at the PACAF level, the award recipients will now compete against other award recipients from the entire Air Force.