Established to recognize the outstanding volunteer service of federal civilians, their family members, and military and federal retirees, the Air Force Volunteer Excellence Award (VEA) is authorized by the United States Air Force Chief of Staff, with award authority delegated to wing commanders.
To be eligible for the award, an individual’s volunteer service must be undertaken in either the local civilian community or the military family community and must be of a sustained, direct nature. Additionally, the service must produce tangible results, be significant in character, and reflect favorably upon the United States Air Force, in keeping with the intent for the award to honor noteworthy, long-term community support rather than a single achievement or act.
Nominations for the VEA are submitted by the candidate’s supervisor through a memorandum or by the voluntary agency for which the candidate has donated their service and time. Successful nominations will be concise and contain straightforward facts regarding the volunteer service, with an emphasis on the benefits accrued by the service. Nominations should be submitted early enough that they can be reviewed in time for the award to be presented during National Volunteer Week, which is celebrated every April in the United States.