Outstanding Airman badge
Encyclopedia
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
that is a part of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year program, which is a recognition program jointly run by the Air Force and the Air Force Association
Air Force Association
The Air Force Association is an independent, 501 non-profit, civilian education organization, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia...
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The badge worn by the winners of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year program for a period of one year following the award. The badge is considered to be a temporary decoration and is surrendered after the year of wear. Winners of the badge are authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon
Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon
The Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon is a military award of the United States Air Force which was created on February 21, 1968 by order of Secretary of the Air Force Harold Brown. The first presentation of the award was in June 1970...
with a bronze service star
Service star
A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service...
as a permanent decoration.