Each year since 2000, AFPAA has presented its highest honor to an individual who has provided extraordinary and distinguished service to the Association.

In honor of the Distinguished Service Award's first recipient, Brig. Gen. Mike McRaney, the Association's founding President and Board Chairman and former director of SAF/PA, the award was renamed the "Mike McRaney Distinguished Service Award" in 2001.

To receive the award, awardees must receive unanimous approval from the Association's Board of Directors. 

Award nominations can be made by any AFPAA member following these guidelines.

See the list of award winners

Read Gen. McRaney's official Air Force biography.

Since 1995, AFPAA has teamed with SAF/PA to recognize one outstanding individual as the "Best of the Best" from all nominated bandsmen, broadcasters, multimedia, and PA professionals.

In 2017, the award was renamed the "Brig. Gen. James W. Hart, Jr. Best of the Best Award" in honor of AFPAA founder, second chairman, long time treasurer, and board member Jim Hart.

Selected on the basis of professional excellence and significant contributions to the Air Force mission, the winner receives an engraved trophy and $1,000 from AFPAA.

See the list of award winners.

Read about 2025's "Best of the Best" – Lt Colonel Hope Cronin.

Read Gen. Hart's official Air Force biography.

The "AFPAA President's Award" is presented to individuals who are leaders in their particular field or who developed pioneering programs and policies that impact Air Force Public Affairs.

An individual does not have to be an AFPAA member to be considered for the President's Award.

Whether the person is active, retired, a civilian employee, or a community leader, what counts is the contribution he or she has made to the Public Affairs community.

To be selected, an individual must be nominated by the sitting AFPAA President, and then receive unanimous approval from all past-Presidents.

See the list of award winners.