AIR FORCE NEWS

By: Dick Cole

Staff Sgt. Zoie Cox, community engagement NCOIC for the 56th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB, Ariz.—the Air Force’s largest fighter wing—is the 2024 recipient of the Brig. Gen. James W. Hart, Jr., “Best of the Best” Award.

Cox communicates the mission of 9,500 joint base members to local, national and international audiences. She is specifically responsible for coordinating base tours, off-base engagements, navigating community inquiries and attending community events.

“Winning the Brigadier General James W. Hart, Jr., ‘Best of the Best’ Award is an incredible honor and quite humbling,” said Cox. “It's a tremendous validation of the hard work and dedication that I have poured into my career. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the leadership and my fellow airmen at the 56th Fighter Wing; their support and camaraderie have been invaluable.”

Cox is a veteran of several deployments supporting humanitarian, contingency and combat operations in the Air Force Central Command’s area of operations and the Pacific.

“My deployment with AFCENT significantly shaped me as a PA professional. I will carry the lessons I learned alongside my team with me, far into the future.”

Receiving the award has reinforced Cox’s passion for the career field and motivates her to further “raise the bar” in her work.

“Given how critical Public Affairs is to connect the Air Force with the world, my goal now is to ensure the Air Force's story is heard in a way that truly informs and resonates with people,” she said.

Cox is originally from Plain City, Ohio—a small town of a little more than 4,000 residents just minutes from the state capitol of Columbus. She enlisted in the Air Force in 2017. She is a 2018 graduate of the basic photojournalist course.

What advice does she offer to a colleague who aspires to be named AFPAA’s “Best of the Best?”

“My advice would be threefold: First, embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Public Affairs is a dynamic field, so stay current on best practices, emerging technologies, and evolving communication strategies. Never stop honing your skills, whether it's through formal training, online courses, or simply seeking out new challenges within your role.

“Second, be proactive and take ownership. Don't just wait for assignments; identify areas where you can make a difference and actively seek out opportunities to contribute. Look for ways to elevate the impact of your work, whether it's through innovative storytelling, strategic community engagement, or effective crisis communication.

“Finally, and perhaps most importantly, be a dedicated and reliable member of your team. Success in Public Affairs is rarely a solo endeavor. Build strong relationships with your colleagues, support their efforts, and be willing to go the extra mile to help them succeed,” Cox said.

In addition to her award of the Brig. Gen. James W. Hart, Jr., “Best of the Best” Award, Cox was also named the Air Force Public Affairs Communication Excellence “Outstanding Communications Airman.”

“Mentorship is essential for developing the next generation of Air Force Public Affairs leaders, and I am committed to paying it forward by mentoring others,” Cox concluded.

The selection list for Major was released on on April 24, 2025, and nineteen PAs were selected for promotion. AFPAA congratulates the selectees:

Kaila Bryant, US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs

Ieva Bytauberg, 325th Fighter Wing, Tyndall AFB

Renee Douglas, HQ US Cyber Command, Ft Meade

Noah Emerson, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AFB

Mackenzie Golka, Air Force ROTC, Clemson University

Faith Hirschmann, 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson AFB

Sarah Johnson, SAF/PA Media Operations Division, Pentagon

Kevyn Kaler, SAF/PA Media Operations Division, Pentagon

Madeline Krpan, 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw AFB

Jacqueline Lockett, SAF/PA Media Operations Division, Pentagon

Danielle Lucero, Joint Planning Support Element, Norfolk

Katie Mueller, SAF/PA Engagements Division, Pentagon

Amy Rasmussen, HQ Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field

Kara Rone, Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB

Nicolle Roose, 57th Wing, Nellis AFB

Barrett Schroeder, HQ Air Combat Command, JB Langley-Eustis

Nikita Thorpe, 23rd Wing, Moody AFB

Scarlett Trujillo, HQ Air Education and Training Command, JBSA-Randolph

Claire Waldo, 355th Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB

The Senior Master Sergeant promotion list was released on February 28, 2025, and twelve very deserving PAs will be pinning another stripe. AFPAA congratulates the selectees:

Bryan Franks – Space Base Delta 1, Peterson SFB, Colo.

Katherine Holt – Office of the CMSAF, Pentagon, Washington DC

Douglas Kost - USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, Ill.

Christine Lightner - The USAF Band, JB Anacostia-Bolling, Washington DC

Jess Lightner - The USAF Band, JB Anacostia-Bolling, Washington DC

Kenneth Norman – 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Matthew Peacock - USAF Band of the West, JBSA Lackland, Texas

Gregory Pflugh - USAF Band of Flight, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

Benjamin Polk - The USAF Band, JB Anacostia-Bolling, Washington DC

Jerilyn Quintanilla – 51st Fighter Wing, Osan AB, South Korea

Breeann Sachs – 319th Reconnaissance Wing, Grand Forks, N.D.

Andrew Satran – 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano AB, Italy

Update: On January 7, 2025, became SAF/PA Director and pinned on Brigadier General

On April 9, 2024, SAF/PA Director Mr. Jerry Renne sent the following good news to the PA family:

Today the Air Force announced the results of the CY23 Air Force brigadier general promotion board, and I could not be happier to announce the selection of Colonel Allen Herritage, SAF/PA’s principal deputy director!

From his initial assignments at Nellis, Langley and Seymour-Johnson, to being forged in the fire on multiple deployments and as PA advisor to the Air Force Chief of Staff, to leading PA ops at Alaskan Command and at USAFA, Colonel Herritage has earned a reputation as an outstanding leader and stellar PA.

A graduated combat camera squadron commander, he led Air Combat Command PA before serving as the mission support group commander at the 633d Mission Support Group at Joint Base Langley-Eustis before returning to the Pentagon in 2022.

Col Herritage, our entire team joins me in congratulating you on this well-deserved recognition of your tremendous leadership, exceptional performance, and consummate professionalism. It is also a strong message reflecting our senior leaders’ confidence in your ability to take on our Department’s toughest challenges.

Without a doubt, our entire team is proud of you and salutes your achievement as we express gratitude for all you do for our Air Force and Space Force and our career field every day!

What a great day to be an Airman and Guardian!

VR // Jerry
Jerry Renne, SES, DAF
Director, Public Affairs
Department of the Air Force

Everyone’s journey to becoming an Airman looks a little different. Follow five trainees as they go through the eight weeks of Basic Military Training and embark on their journey in the United States Air Force.

"BASIC: Journey to Airman" is an eight part documentary series presented by Air Force Recruiting Service and produced by the 3rd Audiovisual Squadron. Except for the short introductory teaser, each chapter — one for each the eight weeks of basic training — runs approximately 45 minutes. For a great reminder of what you may vividly remember (or want to forget!) and an update of what's new and different, taking the time to view this outstanding production is definitely worth it.

Chapter One: First Impressions

Chapter Two: Shock and Awe

Chapter Three: Chow Runners Go

Chapter Four: The Weakness of One

Chapter Five: Integrity First

Chapter Six: Service Before Self

Chapter Seven: Excellence in All We Do

Chapter Eight: Airman

Capitalizing on the box office success of the movie Top Gun: Maverick, the Air Force released a recruiting commercial sure to attract attention and the interest of potential recruits. The Air Force said that the "heart-pounding, adrenaline inducing ad gives the audience a sense of what it might feel like to be on the receiving end of the Air Force’s might and accentuates the importance of airpower in America’s security."

“The intensity of this spot is stunning so hold on to your popcorn because we are bringing the Air Force to your seat,” said Maj Gen Ed Thomas, (now retired) Air Force Recruiting Service commander and former SAF/PA director. “We want to get Americans excited about what it means to serve this great nation. There are more than 130 career options an Airman can take on their full or part-time journey to defend our skies. The air superiority in this video just gives you a glimpse of a small percentage of what is possible when you join us.”

Fasten your seat belt before clicking the play button...

Final Changes to Air Force Song Announced

From: AF News Service
By: Charles Pope
Secretary of the Air Force
Office of Public Affairs
May 29, 2020

All stanzas of the Air Force song have been updated to better capture and represent the valor and heritage of the 73-year-old service while also recognizing the diversity and contributions of today’s Total Force regardless of gender.

The announcement by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein, completes a two-step process in which male-only references were revised to capture the distinguished service, the high standards, and central role that women play in every facet of the modern United States Air Force.

The first step focused on changing the song’s third verse, which also serves as the official song of the United States Air Force Academy. Goldfein unveiled those new lyrics in March and suggested that additional changes to remove the remaining male-only references would be made at a later date and after further review.

The updated lyrics include subtle but important changes that more accurately illustrate the role women have played for decades.

“These new lyrics speak more accurately to all we do, all that we are and all that we strive to be as a profession of arms,” Goldfein said. “They add proper respect and recognition to everyone who serves and who has served.”

At the same time, Goldfein re-emphasized the careful consideration that went into the decision for whether, and how, to change the lyrics.

“I also know with absolute certainty and clarity that these changes are about adding to, not subtracting from, who we are,” he said. “Changing the lyrics in no way diminishes the history and accomplishments of men or dilutes our eternal gratitude for their sacrifice and bravery.”

The complete new lyrics are:

The U.S. Air Force Song
(Adapted)

Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
Climbing high into the sun;
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder,
At ‘em now, Give 'em the gun!
Down we dive, spouting our flame from under,
Off with one helluva roar!
We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey!
Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

Verse II

Brilliant minds fashioned a crate of thunder,
Sent it high into the blue;
Valiant hands blasted the world asunder;
How they lived God only knew!
Boundless souls dreaming of skies to conquer
Gave us wings, ever to soar!
With scouts before and bombers galore. Hey!
Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

Verse III

Here's a toast to the host
Of those who love the vastness of the sky,
To a friend we send a message of the brave who serve on high.
We drink to those who gave their all of old,
Then down we roar to score the rainbow's pot of gold.
A toast to the host of those we boast, the U.S. Air Force!

Verse IV

Off we go into the wild sky yonder,
Keep the wings level and true;
If you'd live to be a grey-haired wonder
Keep the nose out of the blue!
Fly to fight, guarding the nation's border,
We'll be there, followed by more!
In echelon we carry on.
Oh, nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

Lyrics printed with permission from Carl Fischer, LLC.