Polaris Outstanding Guardians of the Year Award 2025 Published Dec. 1, 2025 By US Space Forces Indo-Pacific We are proud to announce the winners for the prestigious Polaris Outstanding Guardians of the Year Award at the Component Field Command level! Established by the Department of the Air Force, the Polaris Award represents the embodiment of our Guardian core values and the operationalization of Space Force culture. This recognition highlights the exceptional military and civilian Guardians who exemplify Character, Commitment, Connection, and Courage. Please join us in extending big congratulations to the winners: Character - TSgt Brandy Swinarton Connection - MSgt Adam Spittle Commitment - MSgt Joshua White Courage - TSgt Matthew Bihlajama Team - US Space Forces-Japan Special recognition to Space Forces-Japan, our winners for the team category. Their teamwork has set the standard for collaboration and innovation across our service. This small but outstanding team includes: Lt Col Kaoru Elliot Lt Col David Jansch Lt Col Geoffrey Walker Lt Col Lee Schroeder Capt April Dawes Capt Rafael Fermin Capt Kyle Postlethwaite Capt Ryan Munoz Capt Grace Enriquez MSgt Juntranek Powell MSgt Scott Tucek TSgt Zachary Steagall These Guardians not only uphold but exceed expectations, illustrating the best of what it means to embody the Space Force core values. As they move forward to represent our component at the Space Force Centralized Board, let’s wish them the best of luck and continued success.