Hobbies And Interests
Service
Air Force members receive this award when they take part in important activities that no other campaign or service medal currently recognizes. Theater commanders determine which members are eligible for this award, and it typically is given to those involved in United States military operations with a large amount of visibility, impact and international relevance. To qualify for the award, members must serve at least 30 straight days in a predetermined geographical theater region. Members received this honor for flying over and assisting with disaster relief following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well.
Aerial Achievement
Members receive this award by way of the Secretary of the Air Force for displaying outstanding skill and achievement while piloting a United States Air Force aircraft. The distinctions for this award state a member must exceed the average marks previously set during testing. Local commanders may also approve the award for members when they determine someone is displaying exceptional skill while airborne. Specific missions members participate in are also eligible for this award, but they must then be approved by a Major Air Force Command. Overall, the designation is intended to laud those who would not be qualified for the Air Medal.
Combat Action
Any member who participates in combat action while serving with the United States Air Force in any territory is eligible to receive this award. Both air and ground combat are grounds for being recognized with the honor. Also, Airmen assisting as crew members on C130s while giving important support to Coalition forces, or Airmen riding in a convoy that receives hostile fire, are eligible for this medal. Members can apply for a retroactive award, meaning they took part in combat action between September 11, 2001, and the present day.
Other Medals
Other awards members are eligible to receive include those recognizing outstanding service to the Air Force, such as the Cross, Distinguished Service, Good Conduct, Airman's Medal for Heroism, Combat Readiness, Defense Meritorious Service and Defense Superior Service. When it comes to specific campaigns the Air Force participated in, awards are given to members to recognize their contributions to, for example, the Iraq Campaign, Kosovo Campaign, Liberation of Kuwait, NATO, and Philippine Independence. Finally, there are medals for specifically outstanding actions performed by members, such as Humane Action, National Defense Service, Purple Heart, Silver Star and United Nations.