SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Lt. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, Air Mobility Command deputy commander, was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the Ellis Island Great Hall in New York City, May 10, 2025. The award distinguishes Sonkiss’ military contributions to the nation.
Sonkiss was one of 80 individuals honored with the award which recognizes exceptional service to the nation through professional, cultural, civic or other distinguished contributions.
A highly decorated command pilot with more than 4,400 flight hours – including 1,377 combat hours – Sonkiss has deployed multiple times supporting combat operations. Most notably, she served as vice commander of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, where she oversaw close air support, combat search-and-rescue, air mobility, and strike operations vital to American and coalition forces. Her leadership extended to humanitarian missions delivering lifesaving aid and evacuating the wounded from crisis zones.
Sonkiss was also recognized for shaping national security policy at the highest levels, including her tenure on the Joint Staff as deputy director for Counter Threats and International Cooperation, where she developed global threat strategies and strengthened international military partnerships.
“Chairman Kazeminy is thrilled to honor General Sonkiss as one of the military recipients for the 2025 Ellis Island Medal of Honor award,” said Retired Lt. Gen. Gwen Bingham, an Ellis Island Honor Society board member and 2018 recipient of the honor. “The award celebrates excellence, determination, achievement and service that the medalists have made to the United States and the world.”
The Ellis Island Honor Society founded their Medal of Honor in 1986. It is one of the nation’s most prestigious awards, recognized by Congress and recorded in the Congressional Record.
Sonkiss joins a distinguished group of leaders in business, education, entertainment, public service, philanthropy, media, healthcare, sports, and defense. Past medalists include seven U.S. Presidents and several Nobel Laureates.
“Throughout her very distinguished military career, Reba has exemplified superior leadership, strategic vision, and a relentless passion for serving others—both in the Continental United States and abroad,” shared Bingham. “Her exemplary service and contributions to this nation coupled with her track record of excellence have had a lasting impact in the communities where she has served. Without doubt, she is highly deserving of this recognition.”
Over a distinguished 30-year career, Sonkiss has commanded multiple Air Force wings, flown nine different aircraft, and built a legacy of courage, leadership, and global service – embodying the ideals of integrity, service, excellence, and devotion to country.