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507th ARW receives Lt. Gen. James E. Sherrard III Award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Grady Epperly
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 507th Air Refueling Wing is the 2012 Lieutenant General James E. Sherrard III award winner.

Each year the Airlift/Tanker Association recognizes those who have demonstrated superior leadership, made outstanding contributions to the airlift/tanker mission, and provided invaluable service to their civilian communities.

The Sherrard award recognizes the Air Force Reserve Command's outstanding wing or group contributing to the overall success of the Mobility Air Force Mission.

In its nomination package, the 507th Air Refueling Wing touched on a wide variety of topics, demonstrating why it is deserving of the award.

Among the strengths of the wing is its maximum degree of professionalism. Aircrew and maintenance achieved an impressive 6,108 flying hours, supporting 1,593 sorties, in worldwide mobility efforts, including Operations Enduring Freedom, Unified Protect, New Dawn and Odyssey Dawn, in concert with the United Nations.

"The men and women of the 507th Air Refueling Wing personify 'Citizen Airmen' as they successfully tackle the challenges of the wartime mobility Air Force," said Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson, Air Force Reserve commander.

"They maintain impeccable Readiness and Manning numbers while supporting global humanitarian relief efforts and continuing refueling demands. And, their on-going support of contingency operations and steadfast devotion to the local Oklahoma City community indicate superior dedication and performance," added General Jackson.

The wing also highlighted in the nomination that during the Air Mobility Command Inspector General 2012 Nuclear and Operational Readiness Inspections, where the wing received back to back "Excellent" ratings.

"The 507th embodies the spirit and essence of today's global mobility operations, maintaining a viable strategic reserve for tomorrow while embracing responsibilities to their civilian employer, community and family," said Col. Russell A. Muncy, 507th Air Refueling Wing commander.

"Attending the A/TA conference was a wonderful opportunity for all who attended," said Master Sgt. Amy P. Preskitt, 507th Civil Engineering Squadron first sergeant. "We were able to learn many new things about the direction of the Air Force Reserve and Air Mobility Commands.

"In addition, there were many amazing speakers in attendance, including the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. I was moved by the passion and sincerity demonstrated by all of the speakers; it is obvious that they truly care about their people," added Sergeant Preskitt. "I am honored to have been chosen to represent the 507th ARW in accepting this award."

Lt. Gen. James E. Sherrard III had a distinguished career -- from his early days as a C-130 airlift pilot to this tenure at the highest levels of Air Force Reserve leadership. General Sherrard twice served as vice commander for the Air Force Reserve. Among his awards are the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass.

The A/TA is dedicated to ensuring that American military forces continue to have the air mobility capability required to implement U.S. national security strategy.