AFA Honors Excellence Across Team Charleston

August 20, 2026

Each year, the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Charleston Chapter proudly recognizes outstanding Airmen and units for their contributions to the mission and the Charleston military community. At the 2026 AFA Charleston Chapter Annual Awards Ceremony, the chapter honored 10 Airmen and two units for their exceptional performance, leadership, and dedication to service.

Awards were presented by Makenzie Guerra, AFA Charleston Chapter president and active-duty Airman; Col. K. Michael Shirley II, Joint Base Lindsey Graham and 628th Air Base Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Richard B. “Ricky” Lamm, 628th Air Base Wing command chief; Col. Patrick McClintock, 437th Airlift Wing commander; and Chief Master Sgt. James Cromwell, 437th Airlift Wing command chief.

Col. Patrick McClintock also served as the ceremony’s guest speaker, offering remarks to recipients and attendees on the value of recognizing the Airmen and units behind mission success across Team Charleston.

The chapter also took time during the ceremony to recognize its dedicated community partners for their continued support of AFA Charleston and the local military and veteran community. Julie and Bill Neira, with Julie Helps Veterans and Warriors Haven, and Debbie Haberny, with Mission One Mortgage, were recognized for their partnership and contributions to the chapter. Both Julie Neira and Debbie Haberny also serve on the AFA Charleston Chapter Executive Committee, further strengthening the connection between the chapter and the Lowcountry community.

Makenzie Guerra, AFA Charleston Chapter president; Col. K. Michael Shirley II, 628th Air Base Wing commander; and Chief Master Sgt. Richard B. “Ricky” Lamm, 628th Air Base Wing command chief, present an award at the 2026 AFA Charleston Chapter Annual Awards Ceremony.
3. Makenzie Guerra, AFA Charleston Chapter president; Col. Patrick McClintock, 437th Airlift Wing commander; and Chief Master Sgt. James Cromwell, 437th Airlift Wing command chief, present a unit award at the 2026 AFA Charleston Chapter Annual Awards Ceremony.
4. Julie and Bill Neira, of Julie Helps Veterans and Warriors Haven, are recognized as community partners at the 2026 AFA Charleston Chapter Annual Awards Ceremony.
Debbie Haberny, of Mission One Mortgage, is recognized as a community partner at the 2026 AFA Charleston Chapter Annual Awards Ceremony.

The annual ceremony provides AFA Charleston an opportunity to recognize the Airmen who make a difference across the installation and to hold up excellence at every level. From individual accomplishments to outstanding unit performance, this year’s recipients represented the professionalism, dedication, and commitment that strengthen the Department of the Air Force mission.

Through its Annual Awards Ceremony, AFA Charleston continues its tradition of celebrating those who go above and beyond in service to the nation and their community. The chapter is proud to celebrate the achievements of Team Charleston and the Airmen, units, and community partners who make mission success possible.