The Air Force’s top 12 enlisted Airmen were treated to a gala affair Sept. 24 during the Air Force Association’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here.

Each year, the AFA honors the 12 Airmen at its annual convention in Washington, D.C. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley presented the awards. He said that each Airman is an outstanding role model for the nation.

“These 12 outstanding Airmen will continue to be great Air Force ambassadors around the world,” he said. “And, I’d like to say that I am extremely proud to serve with each and every one of you.”

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff General Duncan J. McNabb, the event’s keynote speaker, evoked the Airmen’s Creed when describing these 12 Airmen.

“You symbolize our proud tradition,” General McNabb said. “You symbolize our tradition of honor and legacy and valor. You are our nation’s guardian of freedom and justice. You are the sword and shield. You are its sentry and avenger. And you are a wingman, a warrior, and a leader. It has been great to be with you. Congratulations to all of you.”

The 12 Airmen are authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year ribbon and will wear the bronze service star device on the ribbon. The winners also will wear the Outstanding Airman Badge for one year from the date of the formal presentation. They also will serve as members of the AFA’s enlisted advisory council for the next year.

The Outstanding Airmen of the Year are:

1. Staff Sgt. Jonathan C. McCoy
2. Staff Sgt. David
3. Staff Sgt. Geoffrey M. Welsh
4. Senior Airman Matthew C. Hulsman
5. Master Sgt. Lawrence B. Taylor
6. Staff Sgt. Richard W. Rose
7. Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Hefti
8. Tech. Sgt. Jeremy L. Griffin
9. Senior Master Sgt. Ronald A. Colaninno
10. Senior Airman Linn Aubrey
11. Senior Master Sgt. Tammy L. Brangard-Hern
12. Tech. Sgt. Sachiko D. Jones

To know more about the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Years: visit http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123070054