U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The U.S. Air Force Academy announces the next recipients of the Academy’s Distinguished Service Award, John Martinson and Randy Helms.
The Distinguished Service Award is presented to military members, civilians or groups for their long-term service and dedication to the Academy.
Martinson graduated from the Academy in 1970. He served honorably, flying over 500 combat missions and receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions over North Vietnam in December 1972. He developed a passion for philanthropy, donating generous amounts to the Academy, notably for the Honors Program and Academy Planetarium and STEM Center.
Martinson’s philanthropic gifts have supported and promoted academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and enhancing the transformation of Academy cadets to warrior-scholars and officers in the Air Force and Space Force.
Helms, class of 1979, retired from the Air Force after 29 years of service. In retirement, he continued to embody a "service before self" philosophy by championing the need to improve the Academy. His efforts saw the first class gift added to the Honor Court, a bronze sculpture of an AC-130 and shepherding a seven-year fundraising effort to support the Academy’s mission.
Helms continues to serve by volunteering with multiple Academy organizations and representing the graduate community during memorial services and in the Association of Graduates. He continues to make a significant impact in the local and military community on the Academy’s behalf.
The nominees will receive their awards at a ceremony on Thursday.
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