The Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2021 will be formally recognized at AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference from Sept. 20 to 22 in National Harbor, Md. Air Force Magazine is highlighting one each workday from now until the conference begins. Today, we honor Senior Airman Jamonica Smith, a Raven team member at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
Smith led Raven and fly-away security teams for the deactivation of four forward operating bases in Afghanistan, contributing to the United States and Taliban peace treaty. She conducted a humanitarian mission in support of the United States Agency for International Development, where she ensured the safe delivery of 370,000 pounds of coronavirus equipment and medicine, improving the quality of life for Yemen’s locals.
While deployed, she directed 34 special operations and aircrew members during a ground attack at Forward Operating Base Shank. Her fearlessness enabled a combat evacuation, protecting numerous lives and $167 million in Department of Defense assets.
She also volunteered countless hours as a domestic violence response team member where she staffed crisis support lines for more than 80 hours and instructed five training seminars in efforts to mitigate the impacts of abuse in the local community.
Read more about other Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2021: