The "Golden Dozen" Published April 1, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Kathryn Stilwell 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- According to the Air Force Association, the Outstanding Airmen Program originated in 1956 at the AFA's Tenth Annual National Convention in New Orleans, La. It was the brainchild of Executive Director James H. Straubel, who was searching for something which would highlight an Air Force military manpower crisis. Straubel believed the subject could be highlighted by having an outstanding enlisted person on hand representing each major Air Force command and operating agency. The Association, since its founding in 1946, had been pleading with Congress to provide adequate pay and allowances for members of the Armed Forces, most especially, enlisted members. The original thought was that it would be a one-time AFA national convention event, but the program was so well received that AFA and USAF leaders believed it should continue. It has remained a highly popular and successful AFA national convention event over the past 55 years. The question and answer format below helps break down and delve deeper into the process. What is the process for being nominated for 12 Outstanding Airman of the Year? The three categories are Airman, NCO and Senior NCO. Major commands and the Air Force District of Washington may each nominate one candidate per category. Nominations must include examples of leadership and job performance in the nominee's primary duty, significant self-improvement and base or community involvement accomplished between Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. Organization and base-level personnel must contact their MAJCOM, field operating agency, direct reporting unit or MAJCOM equivalent for applicable suspense dates, and final nominations are due to Air Force Personnel Center by April 2. When are nominations due? Air Force Personnel Center sends a message outlining nomination procedures to the MAJCOMs, FOAs and DRUs each year. Nominations should be sent to Air Force Personnel Center headquarters by April 30. How do we get 12 Airmen out of three categories? By the late 1960s, two problems developed with the program. The first problem was the growing number of separate Operating Agencies (the number of selectees had grown to twenty four and promised to go higher). The second problem had to do with the Command selection process: only very senior people were receiving the award, despite repeated requests that selection be based on outstanding accomplishments during the preceding year. In an effort to correct these problems, the number of selectees was fixed at twelve in 1970 and the selection process was transferred from the Commands to the Air Force Personnel Center. How are the Airmen recognized? The Air Force Association honors the 12 Outstanding Airmen and their spouses at its annual convention in Washington, D.C. What are the responsibilities of the 12 Airmen who are selected? Each of the 12 OAY serves as a member of the AFA Enlisted Advisory Council for the year immediately following the annual AFA convention. As members of this council, they attend subsequent meetings at the call of the council chairman. Is a special Air Force ribbon earned? The 12 Outstanding Airmen wear the Outstanding Airman badge for one year and are permanently awarded the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon with the bronze service star device. For more information on Air Force recognition programs and other personnel issues, visit the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil.