AFSPC nominates 791st MSFS Airman for AF-level award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joe R. Rivera Jr.
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  An Airman from the 91st Missile Wing has recently been nominated to receive one of the Air Force's most prestigious awards. 

Air Force Space Command has selected Tech. Sgt. Nikki Drago, 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron flight chief, to represent AFSPC in the Air Force-level Lance P. Sijan Award, junior enlisted category. 

"It's a huge honor to be nominated for such a high-profile award out of all the high-caliber candidates I competed with," Sergeant Drago said. 

The Lance P. Sijan Award is one of the highest awards given to Air Force members. It is for those who have demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in the performance of their duties and conduct of their lives. 

Sergeant Drago said he believes his past experiences and his ability to relate to people of all ranks and ages gives him the capability to lead people in all situations. 

During Sergeant Drago's four-month deployment last November he led the largest security forces flight in Iraq, which was composed of 125 security forces and 50 Iraqi correctional officers. He also led the initial response forces during direct rocket attacks, which helped evacuate injured coalition forces and secured 22,000 detainees. 

"I always remember my roots and how I was brought up in the Air Force," said Sergeant Drago. "I think this plays a key role for me because Airmen are willing to follow my directions and guidance, even during heated situations. I also believe I am a good follower when the situation dictates and would never discredit anyone's thought or opinion no matter what rank the individual is." 

The award is named after Capt. Lance Peter Sijan, who was an F-4C Phantom pilot during the Vietnam War. On Nov. 9,1967 his aircraft was hit and he was forced to eject from the plane over North Vietnam. A rescue team was sent to save him, but he refused to put another Airman in danger. 

Capt. Sijan managed to survive 45 days without capture. Once he was captured, he was repeatedly interrogated and the only information he released was his name. Due to his heroism, the award was named and its recipients have been members who have such honor throughout their career. 

Sergeant Drago will compete at the Air Force-level later this year.