John Brian was the Education Director at Norton AFB for many many years. He was a member of CCMEA (California Colleges and Military Educators Association) when it was an organization only for military and civilian educators serving the military in California. John was instrumental in getting the organization to broaden its scope and change its name. He served as President 1977-1978.

The John Brian Service and Leadership Award is provided to a nominee meeting the following criteria:

- The nominee must be an employee of any branch of the United States Armed Services and must be directly involved in the delivery of voluntary off-duty education programs on a military installation.

- The Awards Committee, at its discretion, may seek a written recommendation from the nominee's commanding officer or department head.

- The nominee must have worked at least two years at the office level as an education services officer, education specialist, education counselor, or education technician.

- The Awards Committee shall ascertain that the nominee's accomplishments are deserving of the award, and that these accomplishments demonstrate the nominee's dedication and leadership in providing quality voluntary off-duty education programs at his/her military installation.

- If a nominee has been the recipient of any CCME Award in the past 5 years they are deemed an ineligible nominee.