Eglin’s Best is on Display at 96th Test Wing
In Brief:
Who: Members of the 96th Test Wing, including airmen, officers, civilians, and volunteers
What: Annual awards ceremony recognizing top performers and teams
When: March 6, 2026
Where: Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
Why: To honor excellence, leadership, and contributions supporting the Air Force testing mission
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. The 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base recognized its top performers during its annual awards ceremony on March 6, highlighting airmen, civilians, and teams whose work helped advance the wing’s testing mission and support the broader Air Force mission.
Leaders announced winners across multiple categories, ranging from junior enlisted airmen to field-grade officers, civilian employees, and volunteer contributors. The ceremony celebrates individuals and teams whose achievements, leadership, and service stood out during the past year.
Among the honorees was Senior Airman Christopher J. Roy of the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron, who earned the wing’s top award in the Airman category. Tech. Sgt. Freddy Scott of the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron took home the Noncommissioned Officer category honor, while Senior Master Sgt. Damon Crawford of the 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron earned the Senior NCO award.
Master Sgt. Derek Medlenka of the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron was recognized as the wing’s top First Sergeant.
Officer awards went to Capt. John Despard of the OFP Combined Test Force in the Company Grade Officer category and Maj. Mary Storey of the 96th Medical Group in the Field Grade Officer category.
Civilian employees were also honored for their contributions. Kenneth Hopkins of the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron received the Civilian Category I award, Bradley Wilken, also of the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron, earned Civilian Category II, and Alexis Franco of the 96th Wing Staff Agency was recognized in Civilian Category III.
The wing also highlighted community and family support roles. Cassie Malleck was named Key Spouse Liaison of the year, and Hafdis Miller received the Eglin Volunteer Excellence award.
Team awards recognized collaborative efforts across the installation. The Munitions Inspection team from the 96th Maintenance Squadron earned the Small Team award, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight from the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron took the Large Team category.
Additional honorees included Airman 1st Class Jasmin Henry of the 96th Force Support Squadron, named the 96th Test Wing Volunteer of the year; Capt. Quinten Morgan of the 96th Range Group, recognized as the Individual Mobilization Augmentee Company Grade Officer of the year, and Maj. Heather Hoang of the 46th Test Squadron, who earned the IMA Field Grade Officer award.
Senior Airman James Cabrera of the 33rd Fighter Wing, part of Team Eglin, was also honored as the installation’s Honor Guardsman of the year.
Wing leaders say the awards highlight the dedication and teamwork required to support one of the Air Force’s most critical missions: testing and evaluating weapons systems and capabilities that will shape the future of the force.
Mid Bay News congratulates all of the airmen, civilians, and volunteers recognized during this year’s 96th Test Wing annual awards.
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