LINCOLN, Neb. — U.S. Air Force Maj. Michael Zimmer, a chaplain assigned to the 155th Air Refueling Wing, was presented the 2025 Samuel Stone Award by U.S. Air Force Col. Jonathan R. Bell, director of the Air National Guard Chaplain Corps.
This particular Department of the Air Force-level award recognizes one outstanding Air National Guard Chaplain of the Year who demonstrates exceptional service, leadership and commitment to strengthening the spiritual readiness of Airmen and the communities they serve.
“Chaplain Zimmer was validated all the way up through the Chief of Chaplains and headquarters of the Air Force,” Bell said during the award presentation. “His name is emblazoned in the history books, and he will also be receiving a federal ribbon on his uniform because he is set apart.”
The award honors Samuel Stone, the first recorded Chaplain to serve in the militia of colonial America, and is the top honor given to an Air National Guard chaplain. The recognition highlights Chaplain Zimmer’s place among those who have provided spiritual care throughout the history of the National Guard chaplaincy.
During Zimmer’s deployment to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Zimmer served as the sole Catholic priest for the largest chapel in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Supporting operations including Inherent Resolve, Spartan Shield, Rough Rider and Enduring Sentinel, he provided spiritual care to thousands of joint and coalition members.
Zimmer delivered more than 5,800 spiritual fitness interactions, supported hundreds of crisis interventions and confessions, provided leader advisement and led religious services and educational opportunities for deployed personnel. He also supported Airmen during periods of increased operational stress, including the 12 Day War and Operation Midnight Hammer response efforts.
“Chaplain Zimmer was at the forefront of ensuring that warfighters were cared for spiritually, were grounded faithfully and were empowered to take the next step when they themselves may have been asking the question of why, how or what for,” Bell said.
Beyond deployed operations, Zimmer has continued to strengthen the Nebraska National Guard community through spiritual care, leadership development and volunteer service. His efforts have supported military members, families and local communities while advancing the mission of keeping every warfighter spiritually fit and ready.
Zimmer credited his recognition to the support of God, his family, leadership and the many people who have supported his military and religious service.
“It’s a great privilege to serve those who serve,” Zimmer said.