A vehicle operations supervisor with the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Minot AFB, N.D., TSgt. Bradley A. Williams is one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2011. Serving with an Army medium truck detachment on deployment, Williams participated in 200 missions, encountering 300 insurgent attacks. He led 17 convoys, providing critical supplies to 23 forward operating bases. He protected six convoys by rerouting them and coordinating with a quick-reaction force after identifying vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. He thwarted a small-arms attack. He conducted in-theater training, leading 25 pre-mission convoy briefs and reinforcing combat skills for dozens of airmen and soldiers. He was among first responders on a major accident and coordinated life-saving medical evacuation. His feedback at the career field manager deployment after-action conference prompted the Air Force to change its convoy training standards. He received a Bronze Star Medal for his efforts while deployed. At Minot, as acting first sergeant, he personally counseled airmen on numerous financial and family problems. Williams’ home of record is Elkhart, Ind. He represents Air Force Global Strike Command among this year’s outstanding airmen. The Daily Report is shining the spotlight on each OAY. Also featured to date: SSgt. Jordan S. Bishopp, SSgt. John C. Norris, SrA. Nora L. Limjoco, SrA. Daniel T. Skidmore, SrA. Ulla B. Stromberg, and SrA. Raven S. Taylor.
When Donald Trump begins his second term as president in January, national security law experts anticipate he may return to his old habit of issuing orders to the military via social media, a practice which could cause confusion in the ranks.