Office of Defense Cooperation

Assistant Director of Operations

Captain Roger B. Stubblefield distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while serving as Assistant Director of Operations, 612th Air Base Squadron, 612th Theater Operations Group, Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. During this period, Captain Stubblefield enhanced Airman development by earning Honor Graduate distinction at the Inter-American Squadron Officer Course and introducing his capstone vision into the unit, which secured joint exercise roles for thirty-one troops. Additionally, he proactively engaged with Air Forces Southern training leaders to visit the squadron and jointly develop the first-ever training plan, normalizing the unit's presence in United States Southern Command engagements while expanding mission capable pathways for one hundred twelve troops across twenty-six career fields. Furthermore, he drove a major Air Forces Southern initiative by leading a fifteen-person team to launch the Defense Readiness Reporting System, posturing the unit for higher headquarters compliance well ahead of timelines and establishing the standard for the 612th Theater Operations Group. Moreover, he reinforced United States-Honduras partnerships through interagency coordination to formalize bilateral agreements granting airport access to military radar feeds, protecting regional airspace, and enabling counter-narcotics operations in support of Joint Interagency Task Force–South. Finally, Captain Stubblefield's efforts directly contributed to his selection as Air Forces Southern Company Grade Officer of the Year for 2024. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Stubblefield reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Operations Officer, Office of Defense Cooperation

Captain Patrick H. Simmons distinguished himself by meritorious service as Operations Officer, Office of Defense Cooperation, United States Embassy, South Africa. During this period, the outstanding professional skill, leadership, and ceaseless efforts of Captain Simmons while permanently attached to the Office of Defense Cooperation resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success of programs of major importance to both the U.S. Departments of Defense and State within South Africa. In this critical assignment, Captain Simmons was instrumental in helping to establish and ensure the success of Security Assistance initiatives and European Command/NATO sponsored Military to Military Engagement and State Partnership for Peace within South Africa. Captain Simmons performed over 400 days of combined inactive and active duty as a reservist supporting European Command and Office of Defense Cooperation operations in support of the U.S. Mission's Strategic Plan and Combatant Commander's Country Campaign Plan. His direct contribution to defense support of public diplomacy during several periods of active duty included setting up over 30 bilateral military engagements, as well as managing foreign military sales and finance programs. In addition, Captain Simmons back-filled as the interim Bilateral Affairs Officer in South Africa for over three months until relieved by his permanent active duty replacement, ensuring mission success and seamless program transition. Captain Simmons many contributions culminated in him being selected to represent the Defense and Naval Attachés and United States European Command at NATO's May 2005 West African Training Cruise planning conference. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Simmons reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.

Joint Engagement and Training Officer

Major William S. Gunter distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Joint Engagement and Training Officer, Office of Defense Cooperation - Beirut, American Embassy, Beirut, Lebanon. During this period, Major Gunter single handedly planned and executed over 50 successful service component engagements and Distinguished Visitor events. In addition, he spearheaded the 40 million dollar U.S. and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Joint Capabilities Review (JCR) Close Air Support (CAS) program and led the Joint Committee whose main task was to develop an LAF Air Force CAS capability. Further, Major Gunter provided excellent stewardship over the fourth largest International and Military Education and Training Program in the world with combined expenditures of over five million dollars yearly. During his tenure, he processed well over 200 LAF officers and soldiers to successfuly attend U.S. schools. The distinctive accomplishments of Major Gunter reflect great credit upon himself, the Office of Defense Cooperation and the United States Air Force.

Chief, Central Asia Branch

Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Castillo distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Chief, Central Asia Branch and Afghanistan and Jordan Country Director, Regional Affairs Directorate, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia. During this period, the outstanding professional skills of Colonel Castillo were influential in building the Afghan Air Force and solidifying the air force-to-air force relationship with Jordan. He spearheaded the five hundred million dollar A-29 program and ensured this multi-agency effort resulted in the fielding of an in-country Light Air Support capability in time to be employed during the Spring 2016 fighting season. His stellar leadership was also instrumental in providing timely and transparent responses to Congress and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, identifying critical shortfalls in the G-222 program. Moreover, his leadership was critical in enabling the Royal Jordanian Air Force's participitation in the fight against ISIS by leading an urgent Department of Defense response to supply weapons to Jordan in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, reducing a six-month process to four days. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Castillo reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.

Congressional Legislative Liaison

Major Frank D. Fraiser distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Congressional Legislative Liaison, Directorate of Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington DC. During this period, Major Frasier coordinated with 18 Senate offices on headquarters-level programs, policies, and priorities to secure National Defense Appropriation Act funding, including KC-46, B-21, Tyndall Air Force Base recovery, space and nuclear triad modernization, and Air Force We Need. Additionally, he led more than 70 Senators and staff members on Congressional or Staff delegation visits both stateside and abroad, including the Senate Intelligence Committee Ranking Member to meet with the Palestinian Prime Minister and Ethiopian and Egyptian Presidents. Moreover, he worked with the Senior Senator from Florida to execute a bipartisan Medal of Honor ceremony in the Senate to recognize Technical Sergeant Chapman's family which was attended by eight Senators, fifteen family members, and the Under Secretary of the Air Force. Lastly, as the Chief, Force Support Education and Training, Major Frasier coordinated the 38P Pentagon gameplan for the Career Field Manager, reviewing over 60 records, providing essential information for senior leaders to mold the next Headquarters Air Force action officers. The distinctive accomplishments of Major Frasier reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.