The auditory version of this piece is presented by the Air & Space Forces Association, which commends and assists our Airmen, Guardians, and their kin. Discover further details at afa.org
Over twelve service members from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing were granted commendations for “executing intricate and perilous operations within disputed airspace,” as declared by the Washington-based unit on April 1.
The unit’s official statement did not disclose precise particulars of these missions or the award citations, and a spokesperson elected not to elaborate further to Air & Space Forces Magazine, citing concerns for operational security.
Nevertheless, all dozen Airmen who were bestowed with the Distinguished Flying Cross consisted of KC-135 Stratotanker aviators or boom operators. The DFC acknowledges deeds of bravery or exceptional accomplishment in aerial combat and stands as the military’s fourth-highest valor award, distinct from distinguished service medals.
Staff Sgt. Gabrielle Stallings, notably, earned two DFCs. An additional trio of Airmen received Bronze Star Medals.
These 15 Airmen were commemorated during a formal event on March 31 for delivering essential aerial replenishment, which permitted other Air Force aircraft to proceed with their assignments and arrive back securely, as stated in the wing’s announcement.
“These momentous assignments were laden with danger and demanded resolute responses to ever-changing tactical surroundings,” remarked Maj. Gen. Charles Bolton, commander of the 18th Air Force. “Their chosen method of reaction, their capacity to adjust and collaborate—that is our focus for commendation today.”
U.S. Air Force military engagements have centered on the Middle East over the past few years, and the KC-135 fleet has been instrumental in that conflict—resulting in additional commendations for the service members piloting these refueling aircraft.
“The prowess and resolve demonstrated by the individuals present today contributed unequivocally to the triumph of the entire endeavor,” Bolton affirmed. “We express our gratitude for their display of such genuine fortitude and commitment.”
Honorees
- Staff Sgt. Gabrielle Stallings, refueling specialist, two Distinguished Flying Crosses
- Senior Airman Clark Bromley, refueling specialist, Distinguished Flying Cross
- Capt. Eric Gershoff, aviator, Distinguished Flying Cross
- Capt. Kimberly Soltero, aviator, Distinguished Flying Cross
- Capt. Joseph Ferguson, aviator, Distinguished Flying Cross
- Capt. Roman Rohrbach, aviator, Distinguished Flying Cross
- Capt. Robert Schaefer, aviator, Distinguished Flying Cross
- 1st Lt. Ryan Ioanidis, aviator, Distinguished Flying Cross
- Capt. Bobby Sherrill, aviator, Distinguished Flying Cross
- Capt. Robert Maloy, aviator, Distinguished Flying Cross
- Capt. Abigail Swenson, aviator, Distinguished Flying Cross
- Capt. Seung Choi, aviator, Distinguished Flying Cross
- Lt. Col. Graydon Vandament, 93rd Air Refueling Squadron chief, Bronze Star Medal
- Maj. Sean Fernando, deputy director of operations, Bronze Star Medal
- Master Sgt. Shane Endreson, 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron output supervisor, Bronze Star Medal
Previously, in 2024, twenty-four KC-135 crew members received the Distinguished Flying Cross for aiding in the aerial replenishment of fighter jets which intercepted 80 unmanned aerial vehicles and projectiles launched by Iran toward Israel that year. These honorees comprised eleven Airmen from the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 134th Air Refueling Wing, seven Airmen from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., and six from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
Subsequently, the U.S. has initiated Operation Rough Rider, aiming at the Houthi insurgents in Yemen, Operation Midnight Hammer, focused on Iran’s nuclear facilities, and the continuing Operation Epic Fury, directed at a wider array of Iranian objectives. KC-135s have assisted in buttressing every mission.
Numerous detachments and personnel engaged in these operations have received commendations.
The 34th Fighter Squadron from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, secured the Raytheon Trophy in March for its efforts concerning both Midnight Hammer and Rough Rider. The Raytheon Trophy was instituted in 1953 and has been bestowed yearly upon the leading air-dominance or aerial-protection squadron in the U.S. Air Force.
F-16 aviators Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks and Maj. Michael “Danger” Blea were granted Silver Star Medals for a perilous assignment in which they evaded numerous ground-to-air projectiles during Rough Rider. Air & Space Forces Magazine had earlier noted that two KC-135 aviators and a boom operator also received the Distinguished Flying Cross for their contributions on that evening.
The auditory version of this piece is presented by the Air & Space Forces Association, which commends and assists our Airmen, Guardians, and their kin. Discover further details at afa.org