The Air Force recognized four Airmen for their exceptional leadership qualities during the Lance P. Sijan Award ceremony at the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes, May 26.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach hosted the event, presenting the prestigious award to a senior officer, junior officer, senior enlisted and junior enlisted member who demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in their work and conduct.
The award is named in honor of Capt. Lance P. Sijan, an Air Force fighter pilot who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism and resilience while a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.
"Captain Lance Sijan represents the very best of what it means to serve in the Profession of Arms," Wilsbach said. "His legacy is still so impactful because the qualities he lived by are the same qualities we want the Airmen in our Air Force to embody today. He lived the Code of Conduct. He resisted by every means available, continually looked for opportunities to escape, and refused special favors from the enemy. And through these challenges, Captain Sijan remained committed to his fellow Airmen and to his country."
The 2026 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award recipients are:
- Senior Officer category: Maj. Joe Goliber: As chief of the advanced training division for Air Forces Central, Goliber led his team in executing over 30 security cooperation events with 13 countries. He also flew with the United Arab Emirates Shaheen squadron as an F-16 exchange pilot, developing allied pilots and employing combat air power.
- Junior Officer category: Capt. Megan Langas: An F-16 electronic combat pilot and flight commander in the 55th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, Langas led 17 fighter pilots and oversaw the execution of 13 combat sorties, resulting in over 15 Combat Action Medals for her crew.
- Senior Enlisted award recipient: Chief Master Sgt. William Brakebill: While at the 3rd Special Operations Squadron, Brakebill guided 1,400 personnel through the wing's largest deployment. He was recognized as Air Force Special Operations Command's 2024 "Red" Erwin Outstanding Enlisted Aviator and contributed to the General Welsh Total Force Integration Team of the Year.
- Junior Enlisted award recipient: Master Sgt. Steven Nelson: As the flight chief and wing survival, evasion, resistance and escape superintendent at the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron, Nelson guided the Air Force's largest operational SERE flight, directing global training and deployments. His overhaul of the career field's training standards established a new Air Force-wide benchmark.
"The Airmen we recognize today have demonstrated exceptional leadership through mission accomplishment, problem solving, perseverance and service to others," Wilsbach stated. "Each of you has made an impact on your units, your teammates and the mission. Your actions strengthened readiness and helped generate combat power for our Air Force."
Janine Sijan, the younger sister of Capt. Lance P. Sijan, was also in attendance and has joined these ceremonies to continue sharing her brother's story with the generations of Airmen.
"Grief changes shape through years," Janine said. "Love endures and stays steadfast and constant. Once I learned to overcome my grief, I knew what I needed to do. I needed to continue to share his story, continue (to myself) think if he could do that - I could do 'this.' What is your 'this?' Everyday your 'this' will change in small, medium and large ways, but I ask you to consider if he could do that, then I can do 'this'."
Wilsbach concluded his remarks by emphasizing the connection between the recipients' actions and Sijan's enduring legacy.
"To have your name associated with one of the greatest heroes in Air Force history is one of the highest honors our service can give you," he said. "Leaders like you ensure that legacy continues and help keep the United States Air Force the most capable and respected force in the world."
