SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Col. Jeffrey D. Shulman, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, and his wife, Brianne, received the General and Mrs. Jerome F. O’Malley Award for 2025. Lt. Gen. Clark J. Quinn, commander of Air Education and Training Command, presented the award to the Shulmans, recognizing them as the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the nation, the Air Force and the local community, best exemplify the highest ideals and positive leadership of a military couple serving in a key Air Force position.
“The Shulmans embody the spirit of the O’Malley Award through their steadfast leadership, advocacy for military families and commitment to strengthening partnerships at every level,” said Quinn. “Their work has created lasting change for thousands of families and reflects the very best of our Air Force.”
The Shulmans were recognized for leading state-level efforts in Texas to pass House Bill 2757, which allows NATO families to enter the appropriate school grade based on European academic calendar dates, directly benefiting the international families participating in the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program hosted by the 80th Flying Training Wing and supported by Sheppard Air Force Base. The legislation resolved a 50-year issue affecting more than 5,000 military families across the state. They also coordinated with multiple city mayors and community leaders to identify barriers facing military families. Their efforts resulted in the creation of a Wichita Falls Independent School District Military Advisor Committee and the establishment of a Military Family Coordinator position to better support service members and their families.
“This was a true team effort, and it’s an honor for my wife, Bri, and me to be recognized,” Shulman said. “Our 14 partner nations at ENJJPT, alongside our Key Support Liaisons, who are the best on the planet, and our local community partners tackled these challenges together.”
This award is named in honor of the late General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley, former commander, Tactical Air Command. O’Malley and his wife Diane were known for their leadership and contributions to Air Force families and the communities surrounding them. Their children decided their efforts shouldn’t go unnoticed, so the General and Mrs. Jerome F. O’Malley Award was established.
The award underscores the enduring impact of collaborative leadership and the vital role military families play in strengthening the mission at Sheppard AFB and across the Air Force.