Tell us who you think we should highlight here. Write to afmag@afa.org
Capt. Anna Mason transitioned from cadet to aeronautics instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy, inspiring future Air Force leaders. Selected through the Graduate Studies Program Pipeline, she returned after earning an advanced degree and working in military intelligence. Mason works to make aeronautics more accessible, encourages more students to pursue it, and mentors cadets academically and personally. Her teaching style and dedication to student success help shape the next generation of pilots and engineers.“I’m loving my time here; this really is buckets of fun,” Mason said. “It’s so easy to stay motivated because you see the impact immediately. You see the light bulb go off in the cadets’ heads, and then you see them go off and do extraordinary things.”
Tech. Sgt. Jarvis Mitchell of the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron risked his life to save a man trapped in a burning home after Hurricane Milton in Florida in October. While helping his family during a power outage, he saw flames at a neighbor’s house and acted immediately. Using buckets of water and dirt, he extinguished the fire blocking the exit and rescued Dave Gilley Jr. “I don’t see myself as a hero. I think anyone would have done the same at that moment. I’m grateful I was there at the right time to help,” said Mitchell. Lt. Beau Delis, 6th LRS Officer in Charge, was not surprised by Mitchell’s actions and bravery, nominating him for the Air Force Sergeants Association Pitsenbarger Award.
Chief Master Sgt. Tiffany Zaloudek made history Nov. 1 as the first female survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) specialist to reach the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. Earning her SERE beret in 2007, she defied doubts and exceeded training standards, later becoming the first woman in U.S. Air Force SERE to qualify as a Military Free Fall Jumpmaster and Test Parachutist. Despite challenges, Zaloudek embraced her identity and now uses her platform to encourage women to pursue their goals. “Strength and femininity go hand-in-hand,” Zaloudek said. “You don’t have to act or look a particular way to do well in a career dominated by men.”
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brandon Taylor, 29th Attack Squadron commander, rushed to aid an injured driver after witnessing a car crash while delivering care packages to Airmen last winter. Hearing the driver’s screams, Taylor and another motorist freed the man, assessed his injuries, and stabilized his fractured leg until paramedics arrived. A former Navy rescue swimmer, Taylor credited his Air Force Tactical Combat Casualty Care training. “The small things you do can make a difference until help arrives,” he said.
U.S. Air Force Capt. Theresa Ziegler, a flight nurse with the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, received the Air and Space Achievement Medal on Feb. 18 for providing lifesaving care to a passenger in distress during a commercial flight. Two hours into a 10-hour flight from Tokyo, Ziegler responded to an intercom call for medical assistance. Working with a civilian nurse, she stabilized the passenger, monitored him for eight hours, and coordinated with the pilots and an on-call doctor. “I am very proud that we have a member in our squadron who was able to respond as quickly and as effectively as she did,” said Maj. David Madrid, 18th AES clinical management flight commander, who was instrumental in Ziegler receiving the medal.
Senior Master Sgt. Scott Ebert and Senior Airman Siena Ebert are more than Airmen—they’re family. As part of Exercise NEXUS FORGE 2025, the father-daughter duo works together in the 624th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, helping stabilize and transport injured service members. Scott, nearing retirement, oversees medic training, ensuring readiness for high-pressure missions. Siena, acting as the “Bulldog,” manages patient movement and safety, making critical decisions under tight timelines. “Our years aren’t going to be long, but I’m thankful for this opportunity.” Scott said.
Pope Francis has appointed Father Gregg Caggianelli, an Air Force veteran and Florida priest, as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. Caggianelli, 56, has served in the Air Force for over 30 years and currently assists the chaplain at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Ordained in 2002, he has dedicated his ministry to serving military personnel. “I look forward to giving my life in service of our Lord in the care of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, Guardians, veterans, and diplomats throughout the world,” he said.
Dena Lowe’s journey from Air Force Security Forces to the National Park Service reflects a lifetime of resilience and service. Enlisting in 1986, Lowe became one of the first female security police officers sent to Germany during the Cold War. She later led a fire team in the Gulf War before leaving the military to raise her daughter. Transitioning to civilian life, she built a successful construction business before joining the National Park Service in 2007. Now at Wolf Trap National Park in Vienna, Va., Lowe continues her mission of service, embracing her lifelong spirit of exploration.