Senior Airman Zachary Rufus

SENIOR AIRMAN ZACHARY RUFUS

Senior Airman Zachary Rufus is a public affairs specialist for the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, based out of the 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The mission of the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration team is to showcase the unique aerial capabilities of the Air Forces’ most advanced 5th generation multi-role stealth fighter, the F-35A Lightning II, as well as highlight the history of the Air Force’s service through heritage formation flights. SrA Rufus is responsible for communicating the F-35A mission to an international audience and supporting the Air Force’s strategic communication message of the newest multi-role fighter jet in its inventory.

SrA Rufus grew up in Dallas, Texas and entered the Air Force in August of 2019 as a public affairs specialist. He has background and experience in photography, videography, writing, media relations and community relations.

 EDUCATION

2016 Canterbury Episcopal School, DeSoto, TX
2019 Mass Communication Specialist Course, Defense Information School, Fort George G. Meade, MD
2024 Airman Leadership School, Hill AFB, UT

ASSIGNMENTS

1. October 2019 – April 2020, 336th Training Squadron, Fort George G. Meade, MD
2. April 2020 – January 2024, Public Affairs Journeyman, 57th Wing, Nellis AFB, NV
3. February 2024 – Present, Public Affairs Journeyman, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, UT

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

2022 DoD Communicator OTY

2021 Air Force New Photographer OTY

Air Force Meritorious Unit Award with 2 oak leaf cluster