Steele Chapter Honors & Awards CCAF Graduates

On January 9, 2026, AFA’s D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter in Northern Virginia proudly stood alongside 90 Airmen and Guardians at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) as they graduated from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). The ceremony recognized academic accomplishments earned while balancing demanding operational responsibilities.

Representing the Steele Chapter, Secretary Bob Hill presented two Pitsenbarger Awards—one-time $750 grants supporting educational excellence—to Staff Sgt. Justin Fatum, assigned to the Pentagon, and Staff Sgt. Joshua Myers, assigned to Joint Base Andrews. Tech Sgt. Joshua Fritsch-Monzel accepted the awards on their behalf.

The awards are named in honor of Airman William H. Pitsenbarger, a Vietnam War pararescue medic posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He is one of only two enlisted Airmen to receive the nation’s highest award for valor, alongside John Levitow. AFA has awarded more than $2.5 million to more than 6,000 Airmen and Guardians since the award’s inception.

“AFA and the Steele Chapter are proud to recognize the achievements of our Pitsenbarger Award recipients,” Hill said. “Every college degree earned represents a commitment to personal growth and professional excellence. An educated force is better prepared to lead, adapt, and prevail.”

The Steele Chapter remains committed to standing with Airmen and Guardians who pursue academic excellence in service to the nation.