ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Two Airmen from Altus Air Force Base have been selected to compete in Washington, D.C., for the prestigious Air Force Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award. Master Sgt. Aaron Bell, 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle fleet manager, and Staff Sgt. Jack Brown, 97th Healthcare Operations Squadron TRICARE operations and patient administration non-commissioned officer in charge, were chosen among thousands of Airmen across the Air Force to represent their base and career fields at this elite level.
“Having two people from the same base compete at this level, I’ve never heard of it before,” said Brown. “I’ve spoken to several leaders across the base, and they’ve never seen this since they’ve been in.”
The Air Force OAY Program recognizes nine enlisted members based on their prior year’s performance, based on exceptional job performance in their primary duty, superior leadership, followership, and the epitome of the whole airman concept.
Both Airmen were nominated after winning at the wing and numbered air force level, attributing their success to being a part of effective teams that lifted both of them up to this opportunity. This sentiment was captured by Bell, crediting the source of his victory.
“I feel like I’m representing everyone,” said Bell. “I have a lot of supervisors in the past and present, teammates, mentors, troops, that poured into me and contributed to this.”
Bell also highlighted the responsibility to represent his unit as an, "obligation to put the best foot forward.” Stressing the importance of investing in personal development, advising younger Airmen to lay strong foundations early in their careers.
“Having your degree gives you more opportunities to serve in special roles,” said Bell. “Getting my Community College of the Air Force degree early allowed me to get selected for a professional military education to become an Airman Leadership School instructor.”
The competition for the award will begin on June 29, 2025, with a professional development course, followed by an assessment board, and concluding with the final selection process. The program has historically been known as the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year since 1968, but 2025 marks the first year that only 9 Airmen will be selected.
“I am incredibly proud of Master Sergeant Bell and Staff Sergeant Brown for their outstanding achievements. They have worked tirelessly to display the core tenets of Airmen, Mission, and Culture,” said Chief Master Sgt. Justin Brundage, 97th Air Mobility Wing command chief. “I know they will exceptionally represent the wing, their units, and most importantly, themselves during the 9 Airmen of the Year selection process. We will all be cheering loudly at The Mighty 97th when they head to Joint Base Andrews.”