Former VCSAF Receives AFA Citation of Honor

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Sept. 12, 2023 — Gen. Philip Breedlove, USAF (Ret.), former Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, was awarded AFA’s Citation of Honor for his “outstanding contribution to the development of aerospace power for the betterment of mankind.” AFA President & CEO Lt. Gen. Bruce “Orville” Wright, USAF (Ret.), presented the citation at the 2023 Air, Space & Cyber Conference.

During his tenure as Vice Chief in 2011, Breedlove visited wounded Airmen at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. After his visit, he contacted AFA to help establish a program of “Airmen taking care of Airmen.” This laid the groundwork for what is now known as AFA’s Wounded Airmen & Guardians Program. The program is now in its tenth year and, to date, has awarded more than $1 million in grants and support directly to wounded Airmen, Guardians, and their Families.

Tech. Sgt. August O’Niell, one of the first to receive equipment from the program, was on stage to help present the citation. O’Niell was the first PJ amputee to return to Active duty and is still serving in the Air Force today.

Breedlove’s distinguished Air Force career spanned more than 39 years. He served in critical leadership positions, including as the Commander, Supreme Allied Command, Europe; Commander of U.S. European Command; and the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force. A command pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours, primarily in the F-16, Breedlove has flown combat missions in operations Joint Forge and Joint Guardian. After his retirement in 2016, Breedlove continued to serve his nation as an active member of multiple boards, including the Spirit of America’s advisory board, the board of directors at the Atlantic Council, and the board of advisors of the Center for a New American Security. He is a strong advocate for U.S. support to Ukraine, frequently offering counsel on measures to counter Russian aggression.

Congratulations, Gen. Breedlove!