BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. – There wasn't a plan when 21-year-old Pete Nunes walked into an Air Force recruiter's office nearly two decades ago.
Only days before, he had attended an Air Force Basic Military Training graduation. Standing among the crowd, he watched as new Airmen crossed the parade field, celebrating the end of one journey and the beginning of another. In that moment, one thought kept replaying in his mind.
"I could do this," said Master Sgt. Nunes.
When he returned home to Warwick, Rhode Island, he made a decision that would change his life for the better. Excited by the opportunity, Nunes met with a recruiter and without hesitation, he signed the paperwork to enlist in the United States Air Force. At the time, he didn't know where the military would take him.
“Looking back now, there is absolutely no way I could have imagined the opportunities, experiences and people this career would bring into my life,” said Nunes.
His journey also shows that success isn't always determined by where someone starts. Nunes never graduated high school, instead he earned his GED before beginning the career that would eventually lead to becoming a senior noncommissioned officer in Air Force Global Strike Command.
"I hope that's something younger Airmen can relate to," Nunes said. "Your starting point doesn't determine where you'll finish. With hard work and the right attitude, the sky is the limit."
Today, Nunes serves as the command's sole B-2 armament inspector. He evaluates nuclear and conventional weapon operations and ensures various units meet the Air Force's standards. His work helps provide senior leaders with confidence that one of the nation's most critical mission sets remains ready whenever called upon.
For Nunes, the mission has never been solely about aircraft or inspections.
"It's watching Airmen succeed. I genuinely enjoy teaching, mentoring and taking care of people," said Nunes.
Nunes believes helping a young Airman rise above self-doubt and accomplishing something they once thought impossible matters more than any title or accolade.
"There's nothing more rewarding than watching someone overcome challenges, build confidence and achieve something they once thought was out of reach," Nunes said. "That's when I know I've done my job."
The commitment to both mission and Airmen is what helped earn Nunes the accomplishment of Air Force Global Strike Command’s Outstanding Airman of the Year for 2025.
"When I found out I had been selected, I was honestly in disbelief," Nunes said. "It took me a while to process what had happened."
For many, an award recognizes an individual's accomplishments. Nunes sees it differently.
"There are so many outstanding senior noncommissioned officers across the command who deserve this recognition," Nunes said. "Being selected was incredibly humbling."
Instead of viewing the honor as his own, Nunes immediately thought about the people who helped him along the way and in turn help him pave the way for the Airmen he now oversees.
"Personally, this award represents every person who has invested in me throughout my career," Nunes said. "No one achieves something like this alone."
Nunes credits his wife, Kristina, as the greatest influence on his career. Through every assignment, deployment, temporary duty, the long hours and night shifts she remained a constant source of encouragement and support while raising their two children together.
Most mornings begin in the gym before spending time with his family and three dogs. Whether it’s cheering on his daughter at her gymnastic competitions or watching his son practice karate, those moments keep him grounded and remind him why his service matters.
"Military service isn't something the member does alone," said Nune. "It requires sacrifices from the entire family."
Professionally, he attributes his leadership skills to past and current supervisors and mentors who challenged him in his career. Because of their investment, Nunes says he learned one lesson that has stayed with him throughout his career.
“Leadership is measured by the people you develop,” said Nune.
That mindset is reflected in how he approaches every day as a senior NCO.
Nunes' passion for developing others extends beyond his own unit. Serving at Barksdale Air Force Base has given him opportunities to work alongside Airmen and civilians across the installation, broadening his perspective as a leader, mentor and friend.
"Every career field has unique challenges," Nunes said, "but every Airman deserves to be heard, developed and supported."
That same message is the advice he now shares with the next generation.
"Work hard, master your craft, seize every opportunity and don't be afraid to fail," he said. "Failure isn't something to fear, it's often where the greatest growth happens."
As Nunes reflects on the career that began with a simple decision to walk into a recruiter's office, he hopes people remember something far greater than the award itself.
"More than anything, I hope people remember the importance of taking care of Airmen," he said. "I've always believed that if you genuinely take care of your people, the mission will take care of itself."
The recognition of AFGSC’s Outstanding Airman of the Year will forever mark a milestone in Nune’s career, but the legacy he hopes to leave behind won't rely solely on an award. It will be reflected in the Airmen he mentored, the leaders he developed and the people who, years from now, may look back on their own careers and remember someone who believed in them first.