Zach Juckel, Ben Miller honored at football awards banquet
2/20/2026 8:46:00 PM | Football
Air Force senior linebacker Zach Juckel and former Falcon Ben Miller earned the top awards at the Air Force football banquet, Friday, Feb. 20, at the East Club Presented by L3Harris at the Kucera Legacy Center. Juckel earned the Brian Bullard Award. Miller, a 2002 graduate, earned the Carson Bird Award.
Juckel saw action in just three games in 2025 due to injury, but remained a mainstay in the locker room, at practices and in games. He played 15 games during his career, including 12 in 2023.
The Bullard Award, established in 1984 and voted on by the football team, is based on the criteria that typifies the late Brian Bullard – unselfishness, 110 percent effort, total team commitment and pride in his role on the team whether he's a starter or not. Bullard was a 1982 graduate of Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs. He attended the Academy the following year and played on the football team for two years. During Thanksgiving vacation in 1983, Bullard and his girlfriend, fellow cadet Dianne Williams, died from carbon monoxide poisoning while returning from a trip to Kansas in a snowstorm.
Miller, a member of the Air Force coaching staff from 2007-20 and a three-year letterman from 1999-2001, is the senior head coach analyst at Illinois entering his sixth season overall in 2026. He was diagnosed with cancer in February 2022. After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy treatments, he has been cancer-free since January 2024. His journey has been marked by significant challenges, including a near-total blockage of his colon and the spread of cancer to his liver. Despite these setbacks, he has continued to work and live, showing resilience and determination. His story serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the strength to overcome life's obstacles.
The Carson Bird Award was established to honor the 2008 graduate who was a three-year starter and All-American in 2007. The award goes to an Air Force football family member that has proven themselves to be courageous, selfless, relentless and tenacious. In addition, the award goes to someone who made a difference in a positive way. The award is not just a celebration of feats conquered, but also a charge to continue to attack every day no matter the odds stacked against you. Bird passed away Nov. 26, 2016, following a battle with Chondrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. He was 31.
Air Force finished 4-8 overall and placed eighth in the Mountain West with a 3-5 mark. The Falcons won three of their final six games after a 1-5 start, posting wins over Wyoming, San Jose State and Colorado State. Air Force beat Colorado State, 42-21, in the season finale to win the Ram-Falcon Trophy for the eighth time in the last 10 years. Air Force finished fourth in the nation in rushing with a 261.4 average, the 12th consecutive year in the top 10 and 38th in the last 39 years. The Falcons also finished fourth nationally in time of possession with a 33:52 mark. Air Force led the nation in yards per completion with a 17.96 mark.
To purchase or renew Air Force football season tickets, please visit www.aftickets.com or call 719-472-1895.
For information on premium seating, including the East Club presented by L3Harris at the Kucera Legacy Center and the Blue & Silver Club, please click HERE or call the Falcon Athletic Fund at 719-333-4545 to purchase.
Juckel saw action in just three games in 2025 due to injury, but remained a mainstay in the locker room, at practices and in games. He played 15 games during his career, including 12 in 2023.
The Bullard Award, established in 1984 and voted on by the football team, is based on the criteria that typifies the late Brian Bullard – unselfishness, 110 percent effort, total team commitment and pride in his role on the team whether he's a starter or not. Bullard was a 1982 graduate of Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs. He attended the Academy the following year and played on the football team for two years. During Thanksgiving vacation in 1983, Bullard and his girlfriend, fellow cadet Dianne Williams, died from carbon monoxide poisoning while returning from a trip to Kansas in a snowstorm.
Miller, a member of the Air Force coaching staff from 2007-20 and a three-year letterman from 1999-2001, is the senior head coach analyst at Illinois entering his sixth season overall in 2026. He was diagnosed with cancer in February 2022. After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy treatments, he has been cancer-free since January 2024. His journey has been marked by significant challenges, including a near-total blockage of his colon and the spread of cancer to his liver. Despite these setbacks, he has continued to work and live, showing resilience and determination. His story serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the strength to overcome life's obstacles.
The Carson Bird Award was established to honor the 2008 graduate who was a three-year starter and All-American in 2007. The award goes to an Air Force football family member that has proven themselves to be courageous, selfless, relentless and tenacious. In addition, the award goes to someone who made a difference in a positive way. The award is not just a celebration of feats conquered, but also a charge to continue to attack every day no matter the odds stacked against you. Bird passed away Nov. 26, 2016, following a battle with Chondrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. He was 31.
Air Force finished 4-8 overall and placed eighth in the Mountain West with a 3-5 mark. The Falcons won three of their final six games after a 1-5 start, posting wins over Wyoming, San Jose State and Colorado State. Air Force beat Colorado State, 42-21, in the season finale to win the Ram-Falcon Trophy for the eighth time in the last 10 years. Air Force finished fourth in the nation in rushing with a 261.4 average, the 12th consecutive year in the top 10 and 38th in the last 39 years. The Falcons also finished fourth nationally in time of possession with a 33:52 mark. Air Force led the nation in yards per completion with a 17.96 mark.
To purchase or renew Air Force football season tickets, please visit www.aftickets.com or call 719-472-1895.
For information on premium seating, including the East Club presented by L3Harris at the Kucera Legacy Center and the Blue & Silver Club, please click HERE or call the Falcon Athletic Fund at 719-333-4545 to purchase.
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