Senior Master Sergeant Anthóny Colon. Senior Airman Victoria Nuzzi
Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Colón was one of seven Airmen to be named among AFCEA’s 40 Under Forty for 2024. Colón, superintendent for the 43rd Aircraft Communications Maintenance Squadron at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., was chosen by the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association for his significant contributions to technical science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Colón, a satellite communications and maintenance specialist for MQ-9 Reaper aircraft, was the highest-ranking enlisted member recognized. Other Air Force awardees among the 40 are: TSgt. Kadir Amat, MSgt. Jamal Barnes, MSgt. Dean Natividad, Maj. Eric Nevins, TSgt. Wynnie Rogers, and TSgt. Stephanie Tolver. “This award encapsulates all my achievements during my Air Force career,” said Colón.
Staff Sergeant Farah Butler. Airman 1st Class Savannah Carpente
Staff Sgt. Farah Butler, unit training manager with the 71st Rescue Generation Squadron, balances her military career and passion for basketball. Inspired after watching a friend play, Butler tried out and earned a spot on the 2024 U.S. Air Force Women’s Basketball Team after not making the team in 2023. Her strong performance secured her place on the 12-member roster. The team finished the season undefeated, bringing home gold at the Armed Forces Tournament held in Georgia in October. “Basketball has taught me mental endurance so I can keep going even when I am tired. With what I learned along the way, I am able to push through anything,” Butler said.
Maj. Nick Atkins. Andy Morataya
Maj. Nick Atkins, 31st Fighter Wing project lead, facilitated the win of the 2024 Spark Tank competition, along with his team, with their prototype collapsible F-16 ladder. The ladder, which fits inside the aircraft’s map case, allows F-16s to deploy and redeploy quickly to austere locations, improving flexibility during operations. Atkins said the innovation helps solve logistical challenges by enhancing F-16 readiness. It solves “a logistical problem by enabling resilient basing requirements and equipping our F-16s with enhanced readiness to deploy and fight,” Atkins said. His idea—chosen from 138 entries—beat out five other finalists to win the Spark Tank competition.
Senior Airman Isaiah Demillo. USAF
Senior Airman Isaiah Demillo, a country liaison with the 82nd Training Support Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, created the Demillo Rigger’s Tourniquet Belt or DRT, an innovative lifesaving tool. Inspired by Tactical Combat Casualty Care training, he designed a belt with a built-in windlass tourniquet to address emergency needs. With help from Sheppard’s Spark Cell and technical experts, Demillo brought his idea to life using sewing and 3D printing. The DRT belt, compatible with operational uniforms, ensures a tourniquet is always within reach, potentially saving lives in critical situations. “I love to ask people, ‘Do you know where your nearest tourniquet in this building is?’ Most answer, ‘No, no clue,’ or ‘It’s so far away,’” Demillo said.
Airman 1st Class James Long. Airman First Class Nelvis Sera
Airman 1st Class James Long, a vulnerability management technician with the 26th Network Operations Squadron, earned the 26th Cyberspace Operations Group commander’s coin for his extraordinary leadership. Long stepped in for a deployed supervisor and led 18 personnel, managed 182 cyber tasking orders, resolved 79 trouble tickets, and certified Airmen in critical tasks. His efforts safeguarded $166,000 in equipment. “I feel my team appreciated me during this time. I personally strive for perfection and put in as much effort as I can,” said Long.
Staff Sgt. Iuliia Lytvynova, a personnel specialist with the 195th Wing, Force Support Flight, completed the Alcatraz Invitational swim race this past September in San Francisco. Braving 60-degree waters and rough seas, she finished the 1.3-mile swim after eight months of intense training focused on endurance, technique, and cold-water acclimation. Overcoming mental challenges, such as fear of open water and sea creatures, Lytvynova emerged with a sense of accomplishment and life lessons, inspiring others to embrace challenges and discover their full potential. “I learned no matter how scared you are, believe in yourself, be confident in your abilities because you trained for it,” said Lytvynova.
Airman 1st Class Elijah Youngblood, a 19th Civil Engineer Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) team member, received the Senior Master Sgt. Margaret Frances Barbour Military Award at the Tuskegee Airmen National Convention last August. The award, presented to only four military members annually, recognizes excellence in achievement, development, and community service. Youngblood, known for his leadership in squadron initiatives and dedication to mentoring foster youth through Immerse Arkansas, embodies the values of service and trust. “If I didn’t have that trust, I would not have even been able to do anything that I’ve been able to complete,” said Youngblood.