JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – Air Force officials selected the service’s top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2012, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.

An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands; direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Air Force headquarters. The board selected 12 Airmen based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements.

12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year (by command of assignment when selected)

Senior Airman Bryenna L. Brooks, Air Force Global Strike Command

Senior Airman Matthew J. Butler, Air Force District of Washington

Senior Airman Nicholas A. Hurt, Air Force Space Command

Staff Sgt. Angelo C. Banks, Air Education and Training Command

Staff Sgt. Cory T. Branham, Air Combat Command

Tech. Sgt. Brandon C. Bruner, Air Force Special Operations Command

Tech. Sgt. Matthew G. Stark, Pacific Air Forces

Master Sgt. Alan M. Braden, Air Force Materiel Command

Master Sgt. Sandra L. Plentzas, Air Force Reserve Command

Senior Master Sgt. Laura A. Callaway, Air Mobility Command

Senior Master Sgt. Emilio Hernandez, U.S. Air Forces in Europe

Senior Master Sgt. Luke W. Thompson, Air National Guard

The winners are authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon with the bronze service star device on the ribbon. They are also authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Badge for one year from the date of formal presentation.

The Air Force Association will honor the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year in September during its Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C.

For more information on Air Force recognition programs, visit the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil.

Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon, awarded to airman nominated by the MAJCOMs, FOAs, and DRUs to HQ AFPC/DPPPRS for competition in the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year (12 OAY) Program. Device: Oak leaf Cluster, and Service Star. Air Force Awards and Decorations (enhance color), U.S. Air Force graphic, AFNEWS/PAND. The JPG image is a stylized version whereas the EPS version is a two-dimensional line art illustration. The line art illustration can also be provided as a JPG by submitting an email request to art@afnews.af.mil. Please be sure to include the file number in your request. Photo by Air Force Personnel Center