ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —
The U.S. Space Force has selected the service-level recipients for the third-annual Polaris Awards.
Established in 2022, the Polaris Award is an annual recognition program built from the four Guardian Values of Character, Connection, Commitment and Courage. Each of the four Guardian value awards recognize an individual that embodies that value with a collective team award recognizing Guardian contribution that embody all four values. All military and civilian Guardians are eligible to be nominated for each Polaris Award category.
Demonstrating exceptional performance and representing the Guardian Spirit, the 2024 service-level Polaris Award recipients are:
The Character Award: Tech. Sgt. Barton W. Drummond, 3rd Space Operations Squadron, Space Delta 9, Schriever Space Force Base, Colo.
Drummond led 14 instructors in developing and implementing the inaugural seven-month Orbital Engagement Qualification Course, deploying as an emergency training solution that prevented a multi-year mission delay. His efforts successfully operationalized the highest warfighting priority of the United States Space Command, safeguarding a $6.2 billion investment in orbital warfare capabilities. He was also recognized as the “Top Superior Performer” in Enlisted Undergraduate Space Training, served as an acting first sergeant for two months, and created a 42-page Supervisor Field Guide, garnering praise from both service and joint flag officers.
The Connection Award: Tech. Sgt. Jacquelynne M. Kidd, 328th Weapons Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
Kidd was hand-selected to support the World Defense Show, showcasing the Space Force to representatives from 116 countries and over 800,000 attendees. While serving as the ambassador to the Saudi Arabian Women’s Noncommissioned Officer Academy, she mentored 1,206 women. Additionally, she led forums with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the U.S., addressing ways to modernize Saudi Arabia, earning recognition and praise from the U.S. ambassador. Furthermore, Kidd volunteered to teach STEM topics to elementary school students, an effort that led to her selection as the Nevada Military Affairs Committee’s 2023 NCO of the Year.
The Commitment Award: Master Sgt. Craig J. Evans, 664th Cyber Squadron, Detachment 42, Schriever Space Force Base, Colo.
Evans excelled in the Air Force Cyber Warfare Operations course, earning the Jim Christy Distinguished Graduate award, being recognized by classmates as the most valuable teammate. He acquired over $70,000 in essential training resources, to include a training range, for his team, and secured key participation opportunities in multiple training exercises. His efforts significantly contributed to the protection of critical systems, earning him the National Reconnaissance Office Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year award.
The Courage Award: Capt. Andrew Y. Baac, 3rd Space Operations Squadron, Space Delta 9, Schriever Space Force Base, Colo.
Baac deployed multiple times to combat zones in support of U.S. Special Operations Command, filling critical roles and introducing 14 new tactics. These tactics enabled 18 direct action missions against violent extremists, resulting in the elimination of 15 high-value targets. The commander of U.S. Space Command recognized Baac’s contributions by publishing a fragmentary order formalizing his space integration concepts. Drawing upon his combat experience and knowledge, Baac rewrote his squadron’s mission planning processes, incorporating a new force presentation construct with Delta 9. This innovation proved key to the foundation of the SpOC Operational and Organization Concept for Orbital Warfare.
The Team Excellence Award: Forrest L. Vosler Enlisted Professional Military Education Academy, Peterson Space Force Base, Colo.
The Forrest L. Vosler Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) team developed two new levels of EPME specifically for Guardians, investing over 15,000 hours developing this innovative curriculum. These programs differ significantly from traditional models by incorporating an iterative, agile and experiential fellowship approach. The team conducted four fellowships to approximately 180 Guardians.
The Vosler cadre achieved independence in course support and development. They established a fellowship alumni network to strengthen connections with Guardian graduates and frequently leverage alumni as guest speakers and mentors. These changes have enriched the experience for new fellows and supporting the cadre, while revolutionizing enlisted Guardian PME, setting a new DoD standard.
Congratulations to the 2024 Polaris Award winners for their embodiment of the Guardian Spirit and representation of the United States Space Force.
source: www.spaceforce.mil