Holloman Airman Named a 2026 Outstanding Airman of the Year
Published 18 October 2026
A Holloman Air Force Base Airman is one of only 12 Airmen in the entire U.S. Air Force named a 2026 Outstanding Airman of the Year. Tech. Sgt. George Distel, plans and programs superintendent for the 49th Security Forces Squadron, was honored for his leadership while deployed and for the way he now prepares younger Defenders here at Holloman. It is a big deal for the 49th Wing, and a proud moment for our whole community.
I love sharing stories like this one, because the people at Holloman are our neighbors, and their work reaches far beyond the base gate.
Who is Tech. Sgt. George Distel?
Distel is the plans and programs superintendent for the 49th Security Forces Squadron at Holloman. Security Forces Airmen are known as Defenders, and they protect the base, its people and its aircraft.
According to the 49th Wing Public Affairs story on Tech. Sgt. Distel, published October 15, 2026, he brings more than 15 years of military experience to the job, including work alongside foreign militaries and convoy support in Afghanistan and Africa.
What is the Outstanding Airman of the Year award?
Each year the Air Force selects 12 enlisted Airmen from across the service as its Outstanding Airmen of the Year. The Air & Space Forces Association's recap of the 2026 honorees says the 12 were honored on September 14, 2026, at AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.
| Detail | 2026 honor |
|---|---|
| Honoree | Tech. Sgt. George Distel |
| Unit | 49th Security Forces Squadron, 49th Wing |
| Base | Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico |
| Award | U.S. Air Force Outstanding Airman of the Year |
| Honorees Air Force wide | 12 |
| Honored | September 14, 2026, National Harbor, Maryland |
| Holloman story published | October 15, 2026 |
Why was he selected?
While deployed as the noncommissioned officer in charge of operations in the U.S. Central Command area, Distel helped protect alert aircraft and supported base defense. The AFA recap says he led 241 Defenders and protected 99 alert aircraft.
His team made Security Forces' first kinetic kills of two one-way attack drones, and he set up the region's first reloading team for a new air defense system. That work earned him the AFCENT Innovation Excellence Award.
What does he say about leadership?
For Distel, the lesson was about people as much as equipment. “You have to trust your team and the people around you,” he told 49th Wing Public Affairs.
Back at Holloman, he is passing those lessons on, preparing Airmen for both the tactical side of deployment and the mental strain that can come with it. “When I joined the military, it was to serve my country,” he said.
What does this mean for families moving to Holloman?
If you are PCSing here, this is a good picture of the base you are joining. Holloman is home to people doing serious, skilled work, and recognition like this tells you the 49th Wing is investing in its Airmen and their growth.
Alamogordo is a small town where you will run into these folks at the commissary, the ballfield and the farmers market. My Holloman AFB relocation guide covers the basics of settling in, and my post on your first week in Alamogordo walks through the first few days. You might also enjoy the story of Holloman Airmen and NMSU students teaming up on engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Holloman Airman named a 2026 Outstanding Airman of the Year?
Tech. Sgt. George Distel, plans and programs superintendent for the 49th Security Forces Squadron, was named one of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2026. Holloman's 49th Wing Public Affairs shared his story on October 15, 2026.
How many Outstanding Airmen of the Year are chosen each year?
The Air Force selects 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. The 2026 honorees were recognized on September 14, 2026, at the Air & Space Forces Association conference in National Harbor, Maryland.
What did Tech. Sgt. Distel do to earn the award?
While deployed as noncommissioned officer in charge of operations, he helped protect alert aircraft and support base defense. His team made Security Forces' first kinetic kills of two one-way attack drones, and he set up the region's first reloading team for a new air defense system.
What unit does Tech. Sgt. Distel serve in at Holloman?
He serves in the 49th Security Forces Squadron, part of the 49th Wing at Holloman Air Force Base. Security Forces Airmen, called Defenders, protect the base, its people and its aircraft.
Where can I read the full story?
The 49th Wing Public Affairs article is posted on the Holloman Air Force Base website. The Air & Space Forces Association also lists all 12 of the 2026 honorees on its website.
Facts in this post come from the 49th Wing Public Affairs article published October 15, 2026, and the Air & Space Forces Association's recap of the 2026 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Information is current as of 18 October 2026.