First Air Medal awarded by 20 AF goes to Malmstrom Airman for medical heroism

Col. Daniel Voorhies, 341st Missile Wing commander, pins 20th Air Force’s first-ever Air Medal on Maj. Collin Urbanowicz, 341st Medical Group aeromedical physician assistant, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, Nov. 20, 2025. The Air Medal recognizes meritorious achievement or heroism during aerial flight, acknowledging performance beyond standard expectations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Bowers)

Col. Daniel Voorhies, 341st Missile Wing commander, holds an Air Medal citation with Maj. Collin Urbanowicz, 341st Medical Group aeromedical physician assistant, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, Nov. 20, 2025. Urbanowicz was awarded 20th Air Force’s first-ever Air Medal for his dedication to saving the life of a lost hiker. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Bowers)

First Air Medal awarded by 20 AF goes to Malmstrom Airman for medical heroism

Maj. Collin Urbanowicz, 341st Medical Group aeromedical physician assistant, looks at his Air Medal citation at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, Nov. 20, 2025. The Air Medal ranks as one of the most honored Air Force decorations. Urbanowicz is the first Airman to receive the Air Medal within 20th Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Bowers) (This image was created in color and changed to black-and-white)

First Air Medal awarded by 20 AF goes to Malmstrom Airman for medical heroism

Maj. Collin Urbanowicz, 341st Medical Group aeromedical physician assistant, listens to closing remarks during his Air Medal presentation ceremony at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, Nov. 20, 2025. Urbanowicz was the aerospace physician assistant for the 40th Helicopter Squadron aircrew that performed the first successful MH-139A Grey Wolf search and rescue operation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Bowers)

First Air Medal awarded by 20 AF goes to Malmstrom Airman for medical heroism

Senior Airman Corbin Dietrich, 40th Helicopter Squadron flight engineer, Staff Sgt. Chase Rose, 40 HS flight engineer, Maj. Collin Urbanowicz, 341st Medical Group aeromedical physician assistant, and Capt. Jacques Soto, 40 HS pilot, stand together for a photo at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, Nov. 20, 2025. The air crew successfully completed the 40th Helicopter Squadron’s first full search and rescue operation using an MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Bowers)

First Air Medal awarded by 20 AF goes to Malmstrom Airman for medical heroism

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 341st Medical Group and 40th Helicopter Squadron applaud as Maj. Collin Urbanowicz, 341st Medical Group aeromedical physician assistant, is awarded an Air Medal at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, Nov. 20, 2025. Members of both units worked together to organize a surprise ceremony for Maj. Urbanowicz, who was awarded 20th Air Force’s first-ever Air Medal. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Bowers)

First Air Medal awarded by 20 AF goes to Malmstrom Airman for medical heroism

Published Nov. 24, 2025
By Staff Sgt. Mary Bowers
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Col. Daniel Voorhies, 341st Missile Wing commander, pins 20th Air Force’s first-ever Air Medal on Maj. Collin Urbanowicz, 341st Medical Group aeromedical physician assistant, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, Nov. 20, 2025. The Air Medal recognizes meritorious achievement or heroism during aerial flight, acknowledging performance beyond standard expectations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Bowers)