Spirit Of Bob Hope Award Winner 2025
by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Sierra Casteel
October 9, 2025 U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Victory Mosenja, 495th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member, was honored with the Spirit of Hope (SoH) Award for his dedication to service and unwavering compassion at the Pentagon Hall of Heroes in Arlington, Virginia on September 17, 2025. 
September 17, 2025 - Dr. Merlynn Carson, performing the duties of the Deputy Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness, presents a medallion and certificate to Airman 1st Class Victory W. Mosenja during the 2025 Spirit of Hope (SoH) awards in the Pentagon Hall of Heroes in Arlington, Virginia. (Image created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Army photo by Christopher Kaufmann.)
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Since 2000, the SoH Award, named after the legendary entertainer Bob Hope, has been awarded by the Office of the Secretary of War, Military Departments, and the U.S. Coast Guard to individuals or organizations who epitomize selfless service and dedicated commitment to our military ... embodying Hope’s core values: duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity and selfless dedication. Mosenja was selected for his exceptional efforts to improve the lives of fellow service members, both on and off duty.
Bob Hope was a renowned actor, comedian and philanthropist who became a symbol of support for service members beginning in WWII, for five decades. Congress established the Spirit of Hope award to carry on his legacy of selfless service and advocacy for military members and their families.
Originally from Cameroon, Mosenja's first trip to the U.S. capital marked more than just a professional milestone ... it was a personal journey. Walking the halls of the Pentagon, the etched names of past recipients surrounded Mosenja, and seeing his own name preserved on the Spirit of Hope Award Wall, he said, was a deeply humbling experience.
“My name is on the wall of the Pentagon. It’s there forever,” said Mosenja. “It’s such a beautiful and historic place, so it is truly such an honor.”
Throughout his Air Force career, Mosenja has embedded himself in both on and off base communities through volunteerism, resiliency and his commitment to uplifting those around him.
As a certified HOPE specialist, acting as an extension of the Chaplain Corps, Mosenja plays a key role in suicide prevention initiatives across the wing. His positive outlook, genuine concern for others and connection with communities have made him a cornerstone of morale within the 493rd FGS.
“You need to have hope, and you need to believe in yourself, and you need to take care of yourself in the process of taking care of others, because we take better care of people when we care for ourselves,” said Mosenja. "It leaves a long-lasting impact on your squadron, the base and the Air Force if you help one person and you teach them how to help other people. It's like a ripple effect and it's amazing to see.”
Mosenja’s selection for the Spirit of Hope Award marks a significant achievement for himself and the entire Liberty Wing. His actions demonstrate that leadership doesn’t always come with rank, but from the quiet, everyday efforts of those who choose to make a difference. ----------------------
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