KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 403rd Wing announced the first recipients of its newly reinstated Peer-to-Peer Recognition Award and Outstanding Supervisor Award during the August unit training assembly.
The quarterly programs recognize Airmen who demonstrate leadership, mentorship and wingmanship through everyday actions.
“These Airmen reflect the kind of culture we’re working to build across the wing,” said Master Sgt. Jared Bryant, 403rd Wing resiliency integrator. “They don’t just show up for the mission—they show up for each other.”
The Peer-to-Peer Recognition Award honors one enlisted member and one officer each quarter for exceptional support to fellow Airmen, focusing on emotional, professional and interpersonal contributions rather than job-specific metrics.
“This award is about recognizing the wingmen who offer encouragement during a tough day, who help others succeed without being asked and who lead by example, even when no one is watching,” Bryant said.
The Outstanding Supervisor Award recognizes supervisors who have served in that capacity for at least three months and who demonstrate leadership, trust and care for their teams.
Award Recipients
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jared Bryant, 403rd Wing resiliency integrator, presents Master Sgt. Michael Sielke-Meade, 403rd Communications Flight superintendent with an award on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Aug. 2, 2025. Sielke-Meade was nominated by one of his Communications Flight Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shelby Jessee)
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Award Recipients
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jared Bryant, 403rd Wing resiliency integrator, coins Tech. Sgt. Michael Underwood, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Aug. 2, 2025. Bryant revived an award program that encourages Airmen to honor their fellow wingmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airmen Shelby Jessee)
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“Good supervision is more than task management—it’s mentorship, empathy and setting the tone for a healthy work environment,” Bryant said. “These supervisors are doing that, and it’s making a difference.”
Airmen submitted short narrative nominations highlighting the impact their peers or supervisors had on them. A panel reviewed the submissions and selected the inaugural winners, who were recognized during a wing event and presented with a commemorative coin.
“The nominations highlighted powerful examples of quiet leadership, late-night check-ins, and support during personal challenges,” Bryant said. “These are the kinds of actions that may not appear on a performance report, but they have a lasting impact.”
The award recipients are:
- Peer-to-Peer Recognition Award – Tech Sgt. Michael Underwood, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron loadmaster
- Peer-to-Peer Recognition Award – Master Sgt. Cameron Beste, 53rd WRS loadmaster
- Outstanding Supervisor Award – Capt. Brent DuPree, 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight commander
- Outstanding Supervisor Award – Master Sgt. Michael Sielke-Meade, 403rd Communications Flight superintendent
The next nomination window is open through Sept. 30. Forms will be available via email and on the wing’s SharePoint site.
“We’re proud of our winners and grateful to everyone who took the time to nominate someone,” Bryant said. “This is how we build a resilient, connected wing—by recognizing the people who lift each other up.”