Air Force photo

Equipment specialist William “Marty” Ginn, 545th Combat Sustainment Squadron, inspects field level tooling being incorporated in depot-level build procedures as part of the No. 4 bearing installation improvement procedures. The 545th CBSS is part of the 448th Combat Sustainment Wing, one of three Tinker units to be awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. (Air Force photo)

Tinker units receive Air Force award

Published Sept. 14, 2007
By Kandis West
Tinker Air Force Base Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- The 72nd Air Base Wing, 448th Combat Sustainment Wing and the 38th Engineering Installation Group of Tinker Air Force Base were awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
   The honor is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service and achievements that have set the unit apart from similar units.
   "The last time the 72nd ABW was recognized at this level was in 1997-1998," said Col. Mark Correll, 72nd ABW commander. "This award just validates what we already know about the Wildcatters Spirit and demonstrates what a motivated and dedicated team of people can accomplish in a short period of time."
   38th Engineering Installation Group Commander Col. Michael Niezgoda said he is constantly amazed at the expertise and the broad scale of highly complex missions members of his group perform routinely every day.
   "There is no other unit like this in the Air Force," Col. Niezgoda said. "We have engineers, project managers, and contracting officers on temporary duty all over the globe at any particular moment providing communications support to the war fighters. I'm proud to be part of it."
   Col. Sid Banks, 448th Combat Sustainment Wing deputy director, said it's great the men and women of the wing were honored for their hard work.
   "We are leading the way in efforts to provide unprecedented support to the warfigher," Col. Banks said.
   Meritorious service considered for the award includes an accomplishment of specific outstanding achievement of national or international significance, combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States or military operations involving conflict with or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force.
   The award is for services performed from January 2005 through December 2006.