JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington, D.C. -- Special Agent John P. Nick, a counterintelligence leader and national security expert, received the Department of the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, Jan. 24, the highest honor a civilian can receive from the Secretary of the Air Force.
The award, presented by Brig. Gen. Amy Bumgarner, commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, recognized Nick’s service in national security, most recently as deputy director of AFOSI’s Office of Special Projects (PJ), where he oversaw efforts to protect the nation’s most advanced military technology.
“Nick’s outstanding service has been a testament to his unwavering commitment to our mission and people,” said Special Agent Lee Russ, executive director of AFOSI PJ. “Under his leadership, we have seen significant progress in advancing our priorities, and his innovative approach has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible.”
During his tenure at PJ from 2021 to 2024, Nick oversaw integrated technology protection of Special Access Programs worldwide, with a combined value of $2 trillion.
These efforts, according to Russ, played a critical role in ensuring that the military’s most sensitive capabilities remained secure from adversaries.
“Nick’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening our counterintelligence posture and safeguarding cutting-edge technologies, which is helping bring our AFOSI mission into the future,” Bumgarner said.
Prior to his position as PJ’s deputy, he served as a mission manager and senior liaison officer at the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, where he coordinated counterintelligence operations and threat mitigation strategies at the highest levels of government.
Today, he is a student at the National War College, pursuing a Master of Science in National Security Strategy with a concentration in Strategic Leadership Studies.
Throughout his career, Nick has held supervisory and field roles within AFOSI, leading high-profile investigations and counterintelligence operations across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.
His national security experience has also earned him widespread recognition, with multiple honors reflecting his contributions to the field.
Among his accolades, he has received the National Intelligence Meritorious Unit Citation and three Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Awards. In 2022, he was named AFOSI’s Senior Civilian Special Agent of the Year, underscoring his experience in counterintelligence.
“We are grateful for his tireless efforts and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition,” Russ said.
Yet for Nick, the accolades are only reflections of the people he has served alongside, mentored by and led; the colleagues and teams who have shaped his career.
Reflecting on his ongoing journey, Nick offered advice for those beginning their careers.
“Embrace initiative and understand your role thoroughly and never hesitate to seek guidance,” Nick said. “Identify challenges, foster collaborative solutions, and approach your work with confidence. Maintain open communication with your supervisor for valuable insights, but don’t wait for direction and take action.”