NASIC Airman earns AFDW 12OAY recognition

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eunique Thomas
  • National Air and Space Intelligence Center Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Leaders at the Air Force District of Washington recognized a National Air and Space Intelligence Center Airman as one of their command level 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for his outstanding performance in the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance field.

Staff Sgt. Yevgeniy, a linguist in the Global Exploitation Intelligence Group since November 2014, credits his direct leadership with helping him achieve this level of recognition from AFDW.

Each year Air Force officials select 12 of the service’s top enlisted members to be the Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Headquarters Air Force submit their star Airmen forward for this prestigious recognition.

“My leadership has provided me with the opportunity to excel,” Yevgeniy said. “In all, my entire flight deserves credit for this win, because they each have contributed, in one way or another, to my success.”

Yevgeniy moved with his family to the United States at an early age. He chose to join the Air Force in 2007 after graduating high school because he wanted to give back to the country that had given him so much.

“I felt a sense of debt to this country for giving my family and me our future, and I also felt a sense of duty to serve a purpose that was greater than myself,” Yevgeniy said.

He offered words of encouragement to other Airmen hoping to make it to the Air Force level 12OAY board in years to come.

“The best advice I would give someone is just to be the best Airman you can be,” he said. “None of the bullets in my package were there simply because I wanted an award. I enjoy doing my job and I try to be the best I can be. The bottom line is, do your best, make mistakes and learn from them, and work hard to take care of the mission, your wingmen, and yourself.”

NASIC leadership lauded Yevgeniy's accomplishments .

"I'd like to congratulate Staff Sgt. Yevgeniy on his tremendous accomplishment, a reflection of the amazing work done here at NASIC by all Airmen,” said Col. Leah Lauderback, NASIC commander.

Yevgeniy already has his sights set on the Air Force level competition, and has high hopes for the overall outcome.

“I feel very humbled that I was chosen,” said Yevgeniy. “I am proud to represent NASIC at the Air Force level, and I hope to win, not just for my own benefit, but to be an example for my Airmen to follow.”