260210-Z-NB148-1019
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, left, acting director, Air National Guard, and Lt. Col. Eric “Rebel” Emerson, commander, 119th Fighter Squadron, 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey National Guard, recognize audience members during the 2024 Lt. Col. Anthony C. Shine Fighter Pilot Award ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Feb. 10, 2026. Named after the Vietnam War fighter pilot who went missing in action in 1972, Emerson was the first Air National Guard pilot to receive the award, which recognizes fighter pilots for “superior leadership qualities, exceptional flying proficiency and community involvement.” (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Erich B. Smith)