Staff Sergeant Nicholas K. Rupiper is a Public Affairs Specialist for the F-35A Demonstration Team, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. He is responsible for managing the team’s social media platforms, coordinating community engagements and recruiting efforts, and communicating the team’s message to an international audience.
A native of Santa Rosa, Calif., Sergeant Rupiper enlisted in the Air Force in April 2019. He initially trained as an air traffic controller before retraining into the public affairs career field where he has developed skills in social media, community engagement, and motion media production. Prior to his current position, Sergeant Rupiper was a Visual Information Specialist for the 336th Training Support Squadron at Fairchild AFB, Wash.
EDUCATION
2019 Basic Military Training, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas
2019 Air Traffic Controller Training, Keesler AFB, Miss.
2020 Mass Communication Foundations Course, Defense Information School, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
2022 Intermediate Motion Media Course, Defense Information School, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
2023 Airman Leadership School, Fairchild AFB, Wash.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 2019 – November 2019, Student, 336th Training Squadron, Keesler AFB, Miss.
2. November 2019 – June 2020, Student, 336th Training Squadron Detachment 2, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
3. June 2020 – August 2024, Visual Information Specialist, 336th Training Support Squadron, Fairchild AFB, Wash.
4. August 2024 – Present, Public Affairs Specialist, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2024 Air Combat Command Photographer of the Year
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman Basic April 9, 2019
Airman First Class June 7, 2019
Senior Airman Oct. 7, 2021
Staff Sergeant Nov. 1, 2025
(Current as of March 2026)