JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. -- The U.S. Air Force announced the service’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2025, including members from across active duty, the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve. Among those named is the Virginia Air National Guard’s Senior Airman Eleanor R. Warren, a geospatial intelligence analyst assigned to the 192nd Wing’s Intelligence Squadron.
Now a staff sergeant, Warren was selected as one of the 12 OAY winners because she embodies the Air Force’s core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.
“From Japan to the heart of Europe, Staff Sgt. Warren embodies ‘excellence in all we do’ - strengthening alliances and safeguarding our interests across the globe,” said Lt. Col. Ian N. Sutton, 192nd IS commander. “She epitomizes initiative and ingenuity in solving complex problems or leading teams. She is one among many outstanding Foxes [192nd IS Airmen] that set high standards for the 192nd Intelligence Squadron and are great ambassadors for the Virginia Air National Guard to active duty, joint and interagency partners, and our allies.”
As a geospatial intelligence analyst, Warren showed exceptional leadership and performance. She analyzed 94 missions and produced 302 imagery reports, enhancing intelligence capacity and maritime awareness. Her innovative solution allowed for the first tracking of vessels violating U.N. sanctions against North Korea. She authored guidance for joint teams, aligning them with National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Standards and translated Japanese guides, improving coalition operations. During her second active-duty tour, she reviewed 195 operational orders, supporting NATO responses to Russian aggression, and improved order quality by 30%. She also secured approvals for critical orders, facilitating diplomatic engagements with officials from Sudan and Libya.
Beyond her primary duties, Warren exemplified the Whole Airman Concept through community involvement and education. She led a 120-member multinational lacrosse team, established a youth team, completed an associate's degree in Intelligence and Technology, and pursued a bachelor's in Business Administration. Her dedication to service included donating blood, volunteering with the USO, and applying her expertise from the NGA Maritime Safety Office to support U.S. Navy operations.
This year, the USAF enhanced the program to more effectively recognize its enlisted members’ contributions, focusing on individual merit and aiming to identify and honor outstanding Airmen, noncommissioned officers, and senior NCOs from all components. Nominees participated in an extensive three-day assessment and selection event, which featured an in-person board interview in addition to the traditional records-only review.
“I am truly honored,” Warren said. “Coming from the intelligence community, much of our work is done behind the scenes and isn’t always as tangible as other career fields. To be recognized in this way means a lot, and I’m proud to represent my fellow analysts and the contributions we make to the mission.”
As a 192nd IS geospatial intelligence analyst, Warren is responsible for processing, exploiting and disseminating still imagery and full-motion video. During her time with the U.S.-Australia-Japan Bilateral Intelligence Analysis Cell at Yokota Air Base in Japan, she had the opportunity to work alongside U.S. allies in the Pacific, which strengthened communication and collaboration.
Currently, Warren serves in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa, 603rd Air Operations Center, A35 Strategy Division, on a Military Personnel Appropriation tour at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. She is responsible for drafting, coordinating and finalizing USAFE-AFAFRICA orders for general officer approval. She also mentors incoming action officers on orders production processes within U.S. European Command and Africa Command.
“I’ve been exposed to a much wider range of challenges,” she said. “I’m looking forward to returning to the VaANG and putting the knowledge and perspective I’ve gained here into practice.”
Warren enlisted in the VaANG in December 2020, following her family’s legacy of serving. Her father served 28 years, and she grew up attending the annual VaANG Family Days with him and her sister, who enlisted in 2013. Her younger sister also serves in an intelligence role on active duty.
“At the time, I did not realize just how meaningful this Wing would become in shaping my own career,” Warren said. “The VaANG has given me more than professional development and opportunities. It has given me a true sense of belonging. I am proud to serve alongside such a motivated group of people who constantly push me to reach my highest potential. Even while I have been halfway around the world, my Foxes family has always been there to support and encourage me.”
According to Warren, she joined the VaANG expecting to work locally, but with constantly evolving mission sets, she had to adjust plans and step into unfamiliar roles.
“Embrace challenges and change,” she advised other Airmen. “These experiences have been the most rewarding of my life. Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone, and every step outside of it makes you stronger.”