ARLINGTON, Va. -- Two civilian leaders from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) were recognized with the Department of the Air Force’s highest civilian award during a ceremony at the Pentagon, April 23.
Special Agents Lee Russ and Sean Lynch, from AFOSI’s Office of Special Projects (PJ), received the Department of the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, awarded to civilian employees whose contributions have had a lasting impact on national defense.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this recognition, and I share it with the entire PJ team," said Russ, the office’s executive director. "Their hard work and quiet professionalism are what make the mission happen every day."
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin presented the medals during the ceremony.
“I’m humbled to receive this award and honored that Gen. Allvin took the time to recognize our work,” Lynch said. “Amazing people come together daily to accomplish the mission; this award is a testament to our successes.”
The CSAF recognized Russ and Lynch for supporting a sensitive national security mission directed by the Secretary of Defense. Specific details about their contributions remain classified.
“Much of what we do occurs behind the scenes and doesn’t attract a lot of visibility, and that’s by design,” Lynch said. “However, it’s a privilege to be part of a mission that protects the nation in ways most people will never see.”
According to the award citations, Russ and Lynch provided leadership and security expertise critical to delivering a sensitive national security capability.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside such a dedicated team of silent professionals, where we work hard in silence and let our successes be our noise,” Russ said.