2025 AOC Award Winners
Every year AOC recognizes individuals and units for their outstanding performance in furthering the aims of the association in support of the United States or Allied Electronic Warfare (EW), Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO), Cyber-Electromagnetic Activity (CEMA), and Information Operations (IO).
Please join us in celebrating this year’s award winners for their exemplary service to our community!
Prestige Awards
AOC Gold Medal Award
Dave Hime
Honoring the visionary leadership that advanced electronic warfare from legacy self-protection to adaptive, distributed, cognitive systems – shaping global strategy, research, and doctrine across the Department of Defense, industry, and international partners to ensure enduring EMS superiority. Dave is a legend in the EW community and within the Association of Old Crows, and this honor reflects his extraordinary contributions and achievements.
Hal Gershanoff Silver Medal Award
Glenn “Powder” Carlson
For distinguished and far-reaching leadership across the electromagnetic spectrum community, as a decorated Air Force officer, influential industry leader, and steadfast AOC advocate. Powder’s remarkable contributions in each of these arenas embody the highest ideals of the Electronic Warfare Officer. His legacy will continue to shape the industry and the association for generations to come.
Hal Gershanoff Silver Medal Award - International
Gerhard Henselmann, Dipl.-Ing, MBA
In recognition of exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the German Red Baron Roost chapter of AOC. Through his visionary leadership and tireless efforts, he revitalized and strengthened an already distinguished chapter, enabling it to grow and thrive even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a cornerstone of the Red Baron Roost chapter, he enhanced the visibility and influence of AOC across Germany’s defense community, including industry, the armed forces, and academia, thereby solidifying its reputation as the nation’s preeminent defense support organization.
Anton D. "Tony" Brees Lifetime Service Award
Laurie Moe Buckhout
Honoring a lifetime of distinguished service and unwavering dedication to operations in the electromagnetic spectrum. As a career Army officer, advisor to the Defense Science Board, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Department of Defense, President and CEO of a leading defense consulting firm, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy, and President of the Association of Old Crows, she has been a driving force in advancing technologies, capabilities, and workforce development in this vital domain. Her deep expertise, steadfast commitment, and extraordinary contributions to electronic warfare and EMS operations exemplify the highest standards of service and leadership, making her most deserving of this honor.
AOC Technology Hall of Fame Award
David A. Wilkes
Recognized for over 37 years of distinguished contributions to the development of electronic warfare technologies, pioneering experimentation, and the successful transition of capabilities to the warfighter – efforts that have measurably advanced USAF and DOD mission effectiveness across multiple operational domains.
Joseph W. Kearney Pioneer Award
Dr. Kyle Davidson
In recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of electronic warfare through a distinguished career spanning military service, academia, and industry. From his service with the Canadian Army to his academic leadership in teaching and research, and now as a trailblazer in industry, Dr. Davidson has consistently advanced EW capabilities by transforming cutting-edge research into operational solutions. His current work with Agile Electromagnetics, leveraging machine learning and multi-function antenna arrays to counter the threat of unmanned aerial systems, marks a significant advancement in modern EW systems. It exemplifies his commitment to innovation in defense of the electromagnetic spectrum.
John M. Clifford Award for the Advancement of the Electromagnetic Domain Award
Kevin Stillwell
For over 42 years of exceptional service and leadership in the electronic warfare and electromagnetic spectrum domain. Ken has been a cornerstone of the Test and Evaluation (T&E) community, offering invaluable guidance on the effective deployment of advanced test systems. His steadfast advocacy for cross-service and international collaboration has driven meaningful improvements, broadening the impact and utility of EW capabilities across the global defense community.
Community Awards
Engineering and Technical Excellence Award
Jimmy P. Washington
In honor of over forty years of exceptional dedication and subject matter expertise in support of warfighters and advanced airborne sensors. Through his precise development of radar cross section (RCS) data in radio frequency (RF), he has enabled accurate combat identification and enhanced mission planning capabilities across global operations, making a lasting impact on the effectiveness and safety of joint forces worldwide.
Project Team of the Year Award
Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) Task Force, 194th Wing of the Washington Air National Guard
For pioneering the Air National Guard’s first-of-its-kind electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) capability that seamlessly integrates cyber, electronic warfare, intelligence, and AFSPECWAR to deliver multi-domain effects in support of joint warfighting objectives and homeland defense. This groundbreaking achievement sets a new standard for EMSO integration and operational readiness.
EW Professional Outstanding Young Crow Award
Staff Sergeant Dylan Demetrius, USAF
Celebrating exceptional leadership and technical expertise that have significantly advanced joint force mission effectiveness and the development of next-generation electronic warfare tactics, techniques, and procedures. His visionary contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence distinguish him as a trailblazing leader and a consummate EW professional.
Professional Outstanding Achievement Award
Rodney Wheeler
For outstanding professional and community service in advancing the discipline of electronic warfare. His leadership in implementing model-based systems engineering methodologies within NASA and the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space has driven innovation and strengthened the integration of EW capabilities across critical defense and aerospace programs.
Chapter Flow-Up Awards
Academic and Educational Excellence Award
Dr. Vijayanand Kowtha
For decades of distinguished service and vast academic endeavors to expand and enable the knowledge base of the multiple scientific domains in mathematics, science, and engineering. Dr. Kowtha’s untiring efforts to mentor, motivate, and lead economically disadvantaged students in STEM pursuits resulted in award-winning teams in robotics competitions in both the United States and the United Kingdom. His passion for advancing scientific and engineering capabilities and technologies will ensure the United States maintains its competitive scientific advantage throughout the decades ahead.
Outstanding Chapter Support
Jessica Derr
In celebration of the exceptional support to the Kittyhawk Chapter of AOC, especially her unwavering commitment, dedication, and valuable contributions to foster shared goals among members, sponsors, industry partners, and the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Military Awards
Military Service Award — Air Force
Captain Jordan Sessler, USAF
Recognized as the foremost tactical and technical expert in leading the 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron’s 45-member initial cadre. His instrumental role in developing the EA-37B syllabus and 18 comprehensive training guides has laid the foundation for the next generation of electronic attack capability and readiness.
Military Service Award — Army
First Lieutenant William Parrish, USA
For the innovative application of tactical electromagnetic warfare to address force protection gaps, delivering scalable solutions that improved electromagnetic awareness, system integration, and survivability across Army units in deployed environments.
Military Service Award — Navy
Lieutenant Evan Anthony Jones, USN
For innovative leadership, LT Jones optimized EW database processes, reduced SLQ-32(V)6 library reprogramming at sea timelines by 39.8%, and supported critical operations, significantly enhancing Navy Surface Ship ASMD capabilities and fleet readiness.
Military Service Award — Army National Guard
Military Service Award - Space Force
Military Service Award - International
Lieutenant Colonel Pasquale Iorillo, Italian Armed Forces
For championing electronic warfare and fostering spectrum awareness within the Italian Armed Forces and across NATO. Lt. Col. Iorillo has made significant contributions to the global EW community through his insightful writings and active engagement as a subject matter expert and panelist at international events. His work has deepened our collective understanding of emerging spectrum threats and the strategies needed to counter them, leaving a lasting impact on the allied EW community that will continue to shape its future.
Military Unit Excellence Award
31st Operations Support Squadron (OSS), US Air Force
Honoring outstanding achievement for groundbreaking EW advancements and innovative integration. The 31st OSS strengthens our global collaboration, enhances warfighter capabilities, and champions excellence.
Military Individual Excellence Award
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Irvin, USA
In tribute to exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing electronic warfare and cyber disciplines, strengthening multinational partnerships, mentoring soldiers, and embodying Army and AOC values to achieve enduring operational excellence and readiness.