ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) --
Two members of the Department of the Air Force received awards during the 2024 Black Engineer of the Year, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Awards conference held at the Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland, Feb. 15-17.
At the 19th Annual Stars and Stripes Dinner on Feb. 16, an Air Force Airman and a Space Force Guardian were recognized for their achievements in STEM-related fields over the past year.
Secretary of the Department of the Air Force Frank Kendall He explained how STEM fields are vital in great power competition and how leveraging diverse talent plays an integral role in national defense.
"The Air and Space Force has the best leaders and technical experts in the world," Kendall said. โThey fulfill our mission and keep the United States safe from growing threats. I am grateful for everything the STEM community does to advance that mission. โDAF has the best talent our country has to offer.โ
Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Allvin joined distinguished guests on stage to introduce Lt. Col. Shari Perkins, recipient of the annual Air Force award. Perkins, a former enlisted airman, has multiple advanced degrees and is now part of the DAF Executive Action Group. Additionally, Perkins led projects that generated more than $25,000 in funding for 40 STEM-related youth scholarships.
โI can tell you from personal observation that his work ethic is as strong as his personality,โ Allvin said. "In 2023, he took the reins and guided the development of the Air Force's diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility strategic plan, ensuring we had purposeful approaches to recruiting, outreach and retention."
US Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations General Michael Guetlein took the stage to present the winner of the annual Space Force award, Brig. General Jacob Middleton. Middleton, a career missile officer, currently serving as deputy director of operations at the National Military Command Center in Washington, DC.
โ[Middleton] it embodies honor, courage and commitment,โ Guetlein said. "He is highly respected in the Air and Space Force, having received the National Reconnaissance Office Gold Medal and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal...I couldn't be more excited that they are honoring this battle-tested warrior ".
The BEYA STEM Conference is a three-day event held annually for over three decades and focuses on minorities with career interests in STEM fields. Offers high school and college students; as well as corporate, government and military professionals; an opportunity to come together and participate in networking, mentoring sessions, learning opportunities and recognition ceremonies.โ
