Lt. Colonel William Schroeder Memorial Award for Excellence in Strategic Communication Communication

CAPTAIN KAYLIN PAIGE HANKERSON
Captain Kaylin "Paige " Hankerson is a student, Air Force Institute of
Technology Civilian Institution Program, George Mason University, Va.,
pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Communications.
Captain Hankerson entered the U.S. Air Force through the Reserve Officer
Training Corps program in 2018 after earning a degree in Communications
from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La. She has served in a
number of capacities as Public Affairs Officer at the Wing and Major
Command levels. She has deployed under the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) to support COVID-19 response and
vaccination efforts, as well as in support of combined, joint contingency
exercises in Thailand and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Prior to her
current assignment, Captain Hankerson served as the Chief of Public
Affairs for the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, ROK.

EDUCATION
2018 Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, L.A.
2019 Public Affairs Officer Qualification Course, Defense Information School, Fort Meade, Md.
2024 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award
Korean Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2021 AFGSC Maj Henry H. “Hap” Arnold Award for Public Affairs Communication Effectiveness
2022 AFGSC HQ Company Grade Officer of the Year

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant May 10, 2018
First Lieutenant July 20, 2020
Captain July 20, 2022