Incirlik selects Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award nominees Published Aug. 25, 2015 By Senior Airman Krystal Ardrey 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Four Team Incirlik Airmen were nominated to compete at the Air Force level for the 2015 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award, here. This annual award recognizes those Airmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities. The nominees were rated based on their responsibility, leadership skills and community involvement during the July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015, time period. The award is named in honor of Capt. Lance P. Sijan. Sijan was the first Air Force Academy graduate to receive the Medal of Honor after being shot down over Vietnam on Nov. 9, 1967, and evading capture for 45-days. Sijan later died in a prisoner-of-war camp and was presented the award posthumously for his heroism. The four nominations from Incirlik are: Staff Sgt. Maya Baker, 39th Medical Operations Squadron, Junior Enlisted Category Senior Master Sgt. Michael Becker, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron, Senior Enlisted Category Capt. Leslie Martell, 39th Medical Support Squadron, Junior Officer Category Lt. Col. Erin McDonald, 39th Communications Squadron, Senior Officer Category