NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- With a broad international background and advanced education, Senior Airman Amal Djezzar joined the U.S. Air Force to serve with a unique cultural perspective.
Born and raised in Algeria, Djezzar speaks Arabic, French and Berber. She holds a bachelor’s degree in banking, specializing in finance, from the Higher School of Banking (École Supérieure de Banque), Algeria. Djezzar also holds an MBA from University Paris Dauphine, Paris, and a master’s degree in economics and finance from Sorbonne University in France.
“I enlisted in the Air Force with a strong foundation of professional experience,” Djezzar said. “Once I joined, I realized my breadth of knowledge could serve as a valuable force multiplier.”
As a contracting specialist assigned to the 99th Contracting Squadron, Djezzar stepped up above her rank during a manning shortage, managing $6 million in contracts and leading a team of noncommissioned officers and civilians.
"Senior Airman Djezzar stepped into a master sergeant’s role with remarkable focus and accountability,” said Lt. Col. Justin T. Schneider, 99th Contracting Squadron commander, “She ensured the section ran without pause and set a standard of excellence for everyone around her."
Her international background proved critical during a deployment to Prince Sultan Air Base (PSAB), Saudi Arabia, in support of Operation Spartan Shield. The environment was new to her, but she was confident that with her past experiences she could bridge between two cultures.
“There were moments I had to translate on the spot and speak on behalf of leadership,” she said, “It was intimidating, but those situations motivated me as they afforded me the opportunity to showcase my skills. I stayed composed and delivered accurate translations.”
That composure was tested when the Saudi Tax Authority flagged three customs violations. Djezzar resolved the errors, protecting $616 million in assets and ensuring 4,000 coalition personnel could operate without disruption. Her efforts contributed to 33 aerial victories at PSAB, reinforcing the base’s operational success.
"I had never had to make a correction of such magnitude before, but it was my chance to step up, ask questions and help mitigate the problem.” Djezzar said.
She didn’t stop at solving problems, she designed solutions. Djezzar identified outdated customs forms that slowed operations and rebuilt them with auto-translate and calculation features, cutting processing time from 30 minutes to five. The update eliminated miscommunication and ensured host-nation compliance.
Her innovations streamlined visa approvals for 80 U.S. personnel preparing for Egypt’s first international airshow, earning her recognition as the Air 378th Expeditionary Wing Airman of the Quarter.
"A small initiative can create a big impact."
Senior Airman Amal Djezzar, 99th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist
“A small initiative can create a big impact,” Djezzar said. “My goal was to streamline the process for the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.”
While deployed to PSAB, she partnered with the Royal Saudi Air Force’s senior enlisted leader to launch a networking group to provide Saudi Arabian military members career insights. Over six months, she helped organize 31 workshops introducing participants to operational, medical and investigative specialties. For Djezzar, the goal was clear: build trust, promote professional standards and strengthen coalition capabilities through shared experience.
“Working with partner nations is about more than logistics,” Djezzar said. “It’s about building trust and ensuring our forces can succeed together.”
One of Djezzar’s most impactful initiatives was launching the first accredited Arabic course under PSAB University. She taught 600 Airmen pursuing bachelor’s degrees who earned academic credit without using tuition assistance, each saving $250 in potential costs.
Altogether, the program avoided $150,000 in tuition expenses while improving daily communication, supporting mission operations and strengthening bonds with host-nation counterparts.
“My motivation came from empathy,” she said, “I wanted to use my skills to help fellow Airman navigate language barriers.”
Djezzar’s leadership and innovation earned her a seat at the 2025 Air Force Association’s annual Air, Space and Cyber Conference, where she was recognized as one of 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year, a recognition reserved for those who demonstrate sustained excellence, initiative and leadership.
“Airman Djezzar’s story reminds us why it’s so important to invest in our Airmen and Guardians,” said Col. Jason J. Glynn, 99th Air Base Wing commander. “She uses her talents unselfishly as an Air Force ambassador to our allies and partners, while setting an extraordinary example for her peers.”
"Airman Djezzar’s story reminds us why it’s so important to invest in our Airmen and Guardians."
Col. Jason J. Glynn, 99th Air Base Wing commander
Djezzar plans to serve a 20-year Air Force career, focusing on representing the enlisted force through leadership roles that leverage her contracting and languages expertise.
“I hope my journey inspires those who are considering joining the military,” said Djezzar. “I credit my chain of command for training me, exposing me to new opportunities and enabling my growth because it’s opened doors to experiences and outcomes I didn’t know were possible.”