WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE -- The National Air and Space Intelligence Center held an Annual Awards Ball in Dayton, Ohio, April 17, 2026, to celebrate the Center’s top performers and hand out two of its highest achievements.
The theme of the event was “Black-Tie Declassified,” which allowed attendees to come together and celebrate the work they accomplished throughout the year. Dr. Jason Womack, the featured guest speaker, spoke on the importance of connectivity for our members and Col. Kenneth Stremmel, NASIC commander, expressed his appreciation to the workforce for delivering vital intelligence when it mattered most.
“This past year has been incredibly impactful, and each of you has remained laser-focused on the mission,” Stremmel said. “The intelligence you deliver is the bedrock of our national security, and I am incredibly proud of the dedication, innovation, and professionalism you bring to this center every single day.”
This year, event organizers elevated the annual awards ceremony by combining it with the Center’s annual ball, adding more prestige to the evening.
“Knowing the mission of NASIC and how vital every unit is to national security, the fact I was chosen to represent the SNCO tier as a human intelligence specialist is an incredible honor and privilege,” said Master Sgt. Brandon Newman, an honoree who was previously assigned to NASIC’s Global Activities Squadron.
Following the annual awards portion of the evening, the ceremony shifted to focus on NASIC’s two specialty awards – the Wall of Honor and the Harold E. Watson Award.
The Wall of Honor is the highest tribute NASIC can bestow upon its alumni. The distinguished award, given to former civilian or military members, recognizes significant achievements and reflects the culmination of their exceptional contributions to the Center.
This year’s inductees represent over seven decades of collective mission dedication. Valerie Borgman retired from the Foreign Materiel Exploitation Squadron in 2025, concluding a distinguished 38-year civil service career beginning in 1987. Joining her on the Wall of Honor is the late Ricky Huffstetler, an analyst in the Aircraft Analysis Squadron, who served for 39 years prior to his passing in February 2026
After a roaring applause from the crowd, the program shifted to the final award category of the night. The Watson Award is a prestigious honor recognizing individuals who have made lasting and positive contributions to NASIC over the course of their careers. This year’s recipients were William Hippenmeyer, Future Capabilities and Assessments chief technology officer, and Warren Snyder, Information Exploitation Squadron principal technical adviser.
Stremmel closed the evening by reinforcing the value and importance of the Center's personnel.
“Tonight isn't just about the awards on the stage; it’s about the people behind them,” Stremmel said. “The expertise in this room is our greatest advantage. As we look toward the year ahead, I know this workforce will continue to lead the way in ensuring our nation remains prepared for any challenge.”
NASIC’s 2025 Annual Award Winners:
Airman of the Year: Staff Sgt. Michael Paige
Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Daniel Stern
Senior NCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Brandon Newman
Reservist NCO of the Year: Staff Sgt. Keith Hippner
Reservist Senior NCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Kelly Oswalt
First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. David Doodson
Company Grade Officer of the Year: 1st Lt. Natalie MacEwan
IMA - Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Carl Craven
IMA - Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Joel Dixon
Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. John McCarty
Civilian of the Year (Category I): Jonathan Burns
Civilian of the Year (Category II): Kevin Huges
Civilian of the Year (Category III): Kali Conley
Civilian of the Year (Category IV): Kaitlin Blackburn
Civilian of the Year (Category V): David Fanjoy
Volunteer of the Year: Capt. Trinia Medrano