Pitsenbarger Awards


Advancing Enlisted Force Education

The Air & Space Forces Association salutes the continued education and personal development of our Airmen and Guardians. As they improve themselves, they improve our Air Force and Space Force. AFA is proud to offer $750 cash awards to deserving Airmen and Guardians to pursue a bachelor’s degree. All Pitsenbargers are based on available funds and are not guaranteed.

AFA Pitsenbarger Awards provide a one-time grant of $750 and a one year complimentary AFA eMembership to selected top USAF and USSF enlisted personnel graduating from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) who plan to pursue a baccalaureate degree (only). The grants coincide with the CCAF graduation ceremonies held each Spring and Fall.

Requirements/Evaluation Criteria

  • Proof of current enrollment or intent to enroll in an accredited program leading to a baccalaureate degree must be submitted with the application.
  • Citations and awards representing distinguished activity should be submitted with the application.
  • A narrative statement describing your extracurricular activities and explaining their significance must be submitted with the application. Emphasize those activities that indicate leadership, citizenship, teamwork, community service, personal development, and dedication. Also, discuss other distinguishing activities and academic accomplishments. The narrative should also include undergraduate plans (e.g., school, the field of study, future goals).
  • Commander’s endorsement must also be submitted with the application.

Award Allocation

  • A check in the amount of $750
  • A certificate is sent to the Education Service Office (ESO) or local AFA chapter for presentation.
  • A one-year complimentary eMembership to AFA
Application

A1C William Pitsenbarger “Full Measure Award” (FMA)

AFA has introduced the Full Measure Award to honor one previous Pitsenbarger Award recipient at the national level. The Full Measure Award annually recognizes an Airman or Guardian who demonstrates a commitment to further education, excellence in service to the Department of the Air Force, and dedication to AFA’s mission.

One awardee per year will receive a $3,000 grant, a three-year AFA membership, and an invitation to AFA’s annual Air, Space & Cyber Conference. Nominations must be submitted by applicant’s AFA Chapter/State President to education@afa.org no later than 30 April 2026 each year for consideration. A committee within AFA’s Education Council will select the winner annually.

Requirements/Evaluation Criteria

• Must be a Pitsenbarger Awardee within the last two calendar years (for the 2026 award only, awardees from 2023, 2024, and 2025 are eligible).

• Proof of course work in an accredited program leading to a baccalaureate degree or higher

•  Must be a current AFA member

• A completed application to include:

  • CCAF degree/date/basic Pitsenbarger Award
  • Transcript from accredited university showing minimum of 12 credits with C grades or above
  • Letters of endorsement from applicant’s:
    • Squadron or Group/Delta commander, and
    • AFA Chapter/State President
  • Citations and awards representing distinguished activity should be submitted with the application.
  • A narrative statement describing your extracurricular activities and explaining their significance must be submitted with application. Emphasize those activities that indicate leadership, citizenship, teamwork, community service, personal development, and dedication. Also discuss other distinguishing activities and academic accomplishments. The narrative should also include undergraduate plans (e.g., school, field of study, future goals) and AFA participation.
  • AFA Membership number

Award Allocation

• A check in the amount of $3,000
• A personalized award plaque
• Three-year membership in AFA
• Invitation to AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference in September

Application

AFA Aerospace Education Platinum Sponsor & Strategic Partner