LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --
Rank and name: Maj. Ryan Johnson
Unit: Detachment 3 Air Mobility Command Air Operations Squadron
Official Duty title: C-130J Instructor Pilot
Hometown: Rockwall, TX
Time in service: 15 years
Time at Little Rock: 5 years
Goals: Take family to visit every U.S. National Park
Maj. Johnson conducted certification of 10 different C-130J Weapon System Trainers, ensuring strict compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations while maintaining the highest level of functionality for C-130J training devices across multiple U.S. Air Force installations.
Additionally, he worked with team that led demonstrations and improvements to the aero models and the new visual system for all C-130J simulators, working with contractors and staff across multiple agencies to ensure a more realistic simulator response.
Finally, Maj. Johnson coached his son’s soccer team two seasons in a row.
Rank and name: Tech Sgt. Owen Roberds
Unit: 19th Airlift Wing A-Staff
Official Duty title: Wing Airfield Driving Program Manager/NCOIC A36 Airfield Operations Division
Hometown: Dardanelle, AR
Time in service: 9 years
Time at Little Rock: 8 months
Goals: To complete his bachelor’s degree.
Roberds practiced Expertly Driving Excellence and Projecting Power "Out Front" by leading the Wing Airfield Driving Program for 2,000 active drivers enabling safe ramp operations for the USAF’s largest C-130J fleet.
Additionally, he designed the STORM FLAG 26-07 aircraft parking plan enabling the safe execution of 64 sorties, movement of 503 personnel, and transport of 580,000 pounds of cargo ultimately leading to AEW’s 300-level deployment certification.
Finally, Roberds demonstrated “Master our Crafts” by blazing though 21x 9-level lessons leading his selection for Advanced Airfield Managers Course in-residence.
Rank and name: Aiman 1st Class Caiden Cotton-Powers
Unit: 61st Airlift Squadron
Official Duty title: C-130J Loadmaster
Hometown: Bright, IN
Time in service: 1 year, 10 months
Time at Little Rock: 1 year, 5 months
Goals: To become an Instructor Loadmaster and finish her CCAF in Aviation Operations.
Cotton-Powers attended Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Course and earned distinguished graduate.
Additionally, she repaired two planes for the 41st Airlift Squadron deployment and loaded 36,750 lbs. of cargo. She was coined by the Wing Commander
Finally, Cotton-Powers participated in the Dayton Airshow C-130J static display with 90,000 visitors at the event and raised $1,500 for the Squadron booster club.
Rank and name: Ms. Gina Bailey
Unit: 19th Mission Support Squadron
Official Duty title: 19 MSG Resource Advisor
Hometown: Wahpeton, ND
Time in service: 31 years
Time at Little Rock: 15 years
Goals: To get through the Fiscal Year.
Ms. Bailey led AMC & Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Fiscal Year 2027 budget submissions (400+ line items); identified critical requirements & uncovered a $2 million funding disconnect with 19 Communication Squadron.
Additionally, she secured $360,000 in Commander Readiness Funds by integrating & advocating MSG requirements. She funded critical installation priorities & synchronized fuel funding actions ensuring uninterrupted aircraft operations.
Finally, Ms. Bailey was a key architect of Little Rock Air Force Base’s Fiscal Year 2026 solvency plan after a $4.5 million funding gap, synchronizing Financial Management, Civil Engineer, and Logistics Readiness Squadron efforts. Gina safeguarded must-pay bills & advocated $700,000 in critical requirements.