An
aerospace medical services technician with the 2nd Medical Operations Squadron at Barksdale AFB, La., SrA. Bryenna L. Brooks is one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2012. Deployed for 205 days for Operation Enduring Freedom, Brooks provided direct medical support to the 101st Sustainment Brigade Troop Medical Clinic at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, and 13 forward operating bases. She also served as the sole convoy medic on 25 missions, providing 24-hour care to more than 1,000 troops. She was wounded during an RPG attack but kept treating other personnel. She earned a Combat Medic Badge and received an Army Commendation Medal. She also taught combat lifesaver classes for more than 1,000 soldiers, dedicated more than 80 hours toward expansion of the Troop Medical Clinic, was a key asset in the mass casualty plan rewrite, and assisted at the blood bank at the Afghan National Army hospital. Brooks’ home of record is Appleton, Wis. The Daily Report is shining the spotlight on each OAY. Also featured to date: SrA. Matthew J. Butler and SrA. Nicholas A. Hurt.
2026 NDAA: 5 Highlights for Airmen and Guardians
Dec. 18, 2025
President Donald Trump signed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 18, a day after Congress passed the annual defense policy bill for the 65th consecutive year. Here’s what it means for the Air Force and Space Force.

