One 
of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2012, TSgt. Matthew G. Stark is an explosive ordnance disposal quality assurance section chief with the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron at Eielson AFB, Alaska. Filling a senior noncommissioned officer position for 80 days during combat operations, Stark led the most decorated EOD flight in Iraq. He oversaw 27 operations with zero casualties during Operation New Dawn. He revamped the Ali Base weapons safety program, earning a command safety excellence award. He directed the Ali Base response to five rocket attacks. He led responses to several vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, coordinating joint service actions and neutralizing the threats. He also oversaw the response to destroy unexploded ordnance found on a Predator remotely piloted aircraft ramp, securing the Predator. Handpicked for a US President security team at the United Nations, he organized and conducted IED sweeps to ensure the security of 193 world leaders. Stark’s home of record is Amherst, N.Y. The Daily Report is shining the spotlight on each OAY. Also featured to date:
SSgt. Angelo C. Banks SrA. Matthew J. Butler