Capt. John Vargas, a 1996 graduate of the Air Force Academy, has won the 2006 Colonel James Jabara Award, presented annually by the Air Force for excellence in airmanship.

Captain Vargas, an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, completed 45 combat missions totaling more than 200 hours in operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Joint Forge. He provided close air support and employed ordnance on high-value targets such as Al Qaeda personnel, equipment and strongholds.

During one sortie, he and his wingman discovered a convoy under attack. Captain Vargas flew directly over the suspected enemy locations at high speed and low altitude while expending flares. This caused the enemy to stop engaging and allowed the convoy to move to safety.

He also handled three aircraft emergencies and was involved in developing F-16 mission tactics, techniques and procedures never done before, including urban close air support, convoy support and fight integration with Special Forces operations.

Captain Vargas is currently assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, as a flight commander and instructor pilot. He was a three-year football letterman at the academy, playing linebacker and on special teams, and helped the Falcons earn a trip to the 1995 Copper Bowl.

FMI: www.af.mil