Combat Airlifters of the Month, August 2026

  • Published
  • By Airman Kameron Green
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

 

Rank and name: Master Sgt. Collin Shipman 

Unit: 327th Airlift Squadron 

Official Duty title: C-130J loadmaster, flight chief 

Hometown: Saranac Lake, NY

Time in service: 11 years 

Time at Little Rock: 7 years 

Goals: Receive a black border on a U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course patch. Obtain a private pilot license. 

Master Sgt. Shipman evacuated 70 personnel, one litter patient, and 4.5 tons of cargo; Delivered 24 boxes of needed blood to two bases during a high threat mission during Operation Epic Fury.

Additionally, he lead "The Debrief" and hosted its inaugural forum, providing a safe environment for redeployed members to process the high-tempo experience of deployment operations while building an enduring support network.

Finally, he delivered 200k tons of bunker busters and Mark 82 bombs for direct action against Iran, and delivered 100k tons of critically needed base defense munitions to replenish depleted base defense systems used to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles and suicide drones during Operation Epic Fury. 

 

Rank and name: Staff Sgt. Brian Haskins 

Unit: 19th Security Forces Squadron 

Official Duty title: Supply noncomissioned officer 

Hometown: Rossville, GA 

Time in service: 11 years

Time at Little Rock: 4 years

Goals: Bachelor's Degree in IT. Serving as an Undershirt and First Sergeant. 

Staff Sgt. Haskins filled critical Vehicle Control Officer responsibilities during primary's absence, ensured the fleet was operational, secured two additional vehicles and an additional fuel key. 

Additionally, he executed a comprehensive inventory of all squadron IT assets worth $260k while simultaneously coordinating the upgrade of five offices with capabilities. 

Finally, he played a key role in planning and executing the squadron Summer Bash, creating a memorable event that strengthened morale, unit cohesion, and family engagement across the Defender community. 

 

Rank and name: Senior Airman Ava Showvaker 

Unit: 19th Medical Group 

Official Duty title: Customer support staff technician 

Hometown: Spring Grove, PA

Time in service: 2 years 8 months 

Time at Little Rock: 2 years 3 months 

Goals: Finish bachelor's degree and commission as a Medical Service Corps Officer 

Airman Showvaker identified a Wing-wide retention program error, she led members across 35 units to resolve the issue internally and coordinated with the Air Force Personnel Center to halt 10K erroneous personnel actions for 3.2K warfighters across three MAJCOMs. 

Additionally, during a 50 percent manning deficit, she facilitated 52 evaluations and nine retentions, earning the number one ranking in Air Mobility Command for personnel reports. 

Finally, she directed Little Rock Air Force Base War Center training, delivering 107 hours of combative instruction and certifying 141 Airmen on 74 individual tasks, increasing installation readiness by 11 percent. 

 

Rank and name: Airman 1st Class Brendan Donnelly 

Unit: 19th Healthcare Operations Squadron 

Official Duty title: Aerospace medical technician 

Hometown: Vero Beach, FL 

Time in service: 1.5 years 

Time at Little Rock: 10 months 

Goals: Below the Zone, deploy, and continue working towards Medical School 

Airman Donnelly as the leader for primary care managed daily operations for 27 personnel and 12 provider teams, overseeing 9.3K family member encounters. 

Additionally, he served as Certified Immunization Back-up Technician; leading the Wing flu campaign and five pre and post-deployment missions, effectively inoculating 4.3K members, locking in Air Mobility Commands number one in individual medical readiness. 

Finally, he led on-scene medical response for Combat Arms Training and Maintenance, facilitating critical readiness qualifications for three squadrons to support the 19th Airlift Wing's $4.5 billion agile combat mission.