A historic milestone in the young Joint Base Lewis-McChord's history took place Tuesday when Col. Jerry K. (Kenny) Weldon II relinquished the 627th Air Base Group colors and title of "commander" to Col. Valerie L. Hasberry at Hangar 7 on McChord Field.

It was the first change of command for the unit charged with maintaining the Air Force structure for organizing, training and equipping Airmen to deploy, while providing installation support to more than 4,000 facilities and nearly 120,000 servicemembers, Family members, civilians and retirees connected to JBLM.

The group consists of the 627th Force Support, Civil Engineer, Communications, Logistics Readiness and Security Forces squadrons, and Air Force chaplains, totaling about 1,000 Airmen. The 627th ABG commander is also the deputy commander of JBLM Garrison, overseeing the administrative and logistical functions associated with the joint base.

The change of command ceremony is a centuries-old military event for U.S forces. Presiding over the event was U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Commander Maj. Gen. William J. Bender.

Having a unit that provides combat support to the 62nd Airlift Wing while conductiong garrison support is unique to any military base or organization, Bender said. He characterized Weldon's command leadership of the 627th ABG as "tremendously successful" during what has been a formative time for the joint base.

"The record of performance they have achieved and the goals they have met under his leadership have been nothing short of phenomenal," Bender said. "Standing up a joint base is no small feat, but readiness has been the air base group's rallying call throughout his time as commander."

Weldon took command at the same time the unit's name switched from the 62nd Mission Support Group in September 2010. The name change came because of the unit's reorganization, to conform to the Department of Defense's joint-basing architecture. Lewis-McChord is one of 12 DOD joint bases in the nation.

Prior to Weldon's assuming duties as the commander and deputy commander, he served on the DOD staff managing the effort to create those 12 joint bases.

"I've seen many decisions reached by military services to make sure that joint bases are postured for success, with landmark agreements to define common standards and establish the parameter of transparency," Weldon said. "Joint basing is focused and forced us to challenge our assumptions, to find other ways to sustain military structure and readiness."

Weldon retired Tuesday also, receiving a Legion of Merit award and an American flag folded by Airmen representing each of the ranks Weldon has worn during his 26 years in the Air Force.

Hasberry's military resume sounds tailored for command in a joint environment. She recently graduated from the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., and has has held several base, major command and Air Force staff level positions, including command of a civil engineer squadron. (See "Biography" sidebar.)

"Her resume ... includes an impressive string of assignments and experiences that I believe make her the perfect choice to follow Col. Weldon into this command," Bender said about Hasberry. "She has extensive experience across the entire spectrum of installation support and operations and has held key leadership and supervisory positions that I know would prove instrumental in the challenges that the joint base continue to face."

Bender noted that Hasberry has "tall" shoes to fill, as Weldon is easily a foot taller than she. But she said she is ready for the challenge of taking the 627th ABG and the joint base to new heights.

"You have my personal commitment that I will lead this group to the best of my abilities and in the fine tradition that started with Col. Weldon in the Air Mobility Command's tradition of excellence," Hasberry said. "I promise you my best efforts every single day to ensure that we ensure that record of excellence."

Weldon, his wife and two children depart for retirement to Stephenville, Texas.

The Col. Valerie L. Hasberry file

Colonel Valerie L. Hasberry graduated from the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. in June 2011. Previously she was chief, Capabilities Integration Branch, Joint Requirements Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense for the Joint Staff. She led a team of 21 analysts in coordinating CBRN Defense operations and in executing joint and multi-service training programs throughout DOD.

Hasberry entered the Air Force in June 1989 as a graduate of the ROTC at the University of Alabama. She has extensive background in environmental program development and management, and experience in design and construction management. She has held several base, major command and Air Staff level positions: command of a civil engineer squadron, chief of environmental planning, an environmental program manager, a military construction program manager, chief of a technical services division, chief of an operations flight and chief of planning and basing branch.

She has won a number of environmental and civil engineering awards. A Bronze Star, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster are among the military awards she has earned.

Her bachelor's degree is in electrical engineering and she holds three master's: in management from Webster University, St. Louis. Mo.; in military studies from Marine Corps Command and Staff College, Quantico, Va.; and in strategic studies from the Army War College.

She has been assigned at the Pentagon and Falcon, Scott, Hickam and Davis-Monthan Air Force bases in the states, as well as Spangdahlem, Germany, and Anderson AFB, Guam.

Hasberry is married to Marc Hasberry of Birmingham, Ala. They have a daughter, Taylor, and a son, Nikolas.

Members of the 361st Recruiting Squadron did their part to strengthen community relations recently, donating their time to refurbish a vacant building in preparation for a local chapter of the Salvation Army to relocate a Veteran's Homeless Shelter.

The former location, in a rundown section of Portland, Ore., subjected inhabitants to drugs, crime, and violence.

"This move signifies The Salvation Army's continued commitment to serving and supporting veterans in the community," said Maj. Don Gilger, Portland Metro coordinator for The Salvation Army. "We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Beaverton community and to making an even greater impact on our veterans' lives."

The Salvation Army chapter abandoned the urban setting in favor of a residential neighborhood in Beaverton. The new facility houses not only displaced veterans but also their Families in what used to be a retirement home.

The shelter increased occupancy from 40 beds to 100 and improved the quality of life by adding a full kitchen and dining room as well as common areas for Families. Fifteen members from the 361 RCS painted more than 30 rooms and performed minor repairs on doors, toilets, sinks, showers, tubs, and even drywall.

The efforts of the Airmen saved the Salvation Army over $3,580 in labor costs, a vital service for the nonprofit organization. Portland Metro Salvation Army Volunteer Coordinator Rhona Brant expressed her appreciation to the volunteer Air Force recruiters. "Not only have you done an extraordinary job with the shelter but you have worked to incorporate additional support in committing to ongoing volunteer involvement," Brant said.

More than 350 people turned out for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony June 22, including most of the 361 RCS personnel who were instrumental in ensuring the facility was ready for veterans and their Families.

For more information about volunteering with your local Salvation Army, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org.

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Not many Airmen, especially those who have had several, can look back and say that their re-enlistment was an event they'll remember for the rest of their life.

This is not the case for one master sergeant because for her re-enlistment, retired Col. Joe Jackson, Medal of Honor recipient, administered the Oath of Enlistment.

"I was incredibly honored and grateful to have Colonel Jackson administer the oath," said Master Sgt. Brenda Degnan, who re-enlisted for five years.

Degnan, 62nd Maintenance Squadron home station check section chief, was Jackson's escort when he came to observe events for Air Mobility Rodeo 2011 that took place July 18-22.

"We've been spending a whole week together with Rodeo," Jackson said. "She was my shadow; wherever I go, she went too."

They both don't recall where it happened, but during a conversation, the subject of Degnan's re-enlistment came up. Because she was able to spend time with Jackson, Degnan asked him to be part of the ceremony.

When asked why he wanted to do the re-enlistment, Jackson replied, "I did it because she asked me to," he laughed, "and I'm happy to oblige."

The re-enlistment ceremony took place in front of the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Memorial at McChord Field, with only Degnan's husband, Tech. Sgt. Erik Degnan, and co-worker, Staff Sgt. Jessica Sliwoski.

"Having just a few people there made it a very quiet and special event," Degnan said. "I'll never forget it."

Besides her intimate ceremony, Degnan says that the time spent with Jackson was something she'll also never forget.

"My week with Colonel Jackson was perhaps the most meaningful and memorable week of my career," she said. "It was awe-inspiring, not only be in the presence of a Medal of Honor recipient, but also to get the opportunity to spend a week with someone so genuine and humble."

Jackson, then-lieutenant colonel, risked his life to land a C-123 Provider aircraft despite hostile fire, and rescued a three-man Air Force Combat Control Team, earning him a Medal of Honor. There is also a street at McChord Field named in his honor and a C-17 Globemaster III called the "Spirit of Col. Joe M. Jackson." Because he lives in the local area, Jackson frequently visits Joint Base Lewis-McChord and participates in many base events.

"Colonel Jackson and I had many interesting conversations," she added. "We talked a lot about his career and all of the amazing things he accomplished, from starting out as a B-25 crew chief and flying U-2s to saving the lives of three men in Vietnam. I wish I could truly express how awesome it was to spend the week with Colonel Jackson but words just won't do it justice."

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Congratulations to the following senior airmen who were selected for promotion to staff sergeant.

The average staff sergeant selectee score for the 11E5 staff sergeant test cycle was 275.56 points, based on the following:

-- 131.68 Enlisted Performance Reports
-- 63.49 Promotion Fitness Exam
-- 56.66 Specialty Knowledge Test
-- 1.88 Time in Grade
-- 4.44 Time in Service
-- 0.96 Decorations

The following senior airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing were selected for promotion:

Sandra Bishop, 62nd Maintenance Operations Squadron
Richard Borgen, 62nd Operations Support Squadron
David Bouchard, 62nd Maintenance Squadron
Joshua Boylan, 62nd Aerial Port Squadron
Katheryn Campbell, 62nd Medical Squadron
Alexander Carbon, 62nd MXS
Cassia Carrasquillo, 62nd MOS
Gabriel Carter, 62nd APS
Christopher Clark, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Gerald Clark, 62nd APS
Jacob Colley, 62nd AMXS
Branden Conrad, 62nd APS
Stephen Cooper, 62nd APS
Natalie Cox, 62nd AMXS
Andrew Curry, 62nd AMXS
Claude Curry, 62nd AMXS
Eric Dasher, 62nd MXS
Corey Dawson, 62nd MOS
Howard Drake, 62nd MOS
Kristopher Duer, 62nd AMXS
Tyler Ellingboe, 62nd MXS
Jonathan Eriksen, 62nd AMXS
Brandon Ferguson, 62nd AMXS
Lynn Fuhrmeister, 62nd AW
Jose Garfias, 62nd AMXS
John Gayle, 62nd APS
Nicholas Golding, 62nd AMXS
Max Gomez, 62nd AMXS
Christian Gonzalez, 62nd AMXS
Drew Green, 62nd MXS
Jaren Hahn, 62nd MXS
Andre Haroutounian, 62nd APS
Anthony Hempstead, 62nd MXS
Martin Hensen, 62nd MXS
Lindy Hief, 62nd OSS
Eric Hoyt, 8th Airlift Squadron
Jesse Hughes, 62nd Comptroller Squadron
Christopher Irish, 62nd AMXS
Garret Jacobs, 62nd MXS
Anthony Jennings, 62nd OSS
Cindy Jimenez, 62nd MDS
Austin Johnson, 62nd APS
Gary Johnson, 62nd MXS
Andrew Kerner, 62nd AMXS
Bret Konsavage, 62nd OSS
Anthony Leonard, 4th Airlift Squadron
Thomas Levesque, 62nd CPTS
Marcos Martinez, 62nd MXS
Daniel Maysonet, 62nd AMXS
Michael McKee, 62nd AMXS
Aaron McPherson, 62nd MXS
Ross McPherson, 62nd MOS
Zachary Ponto, 62nd APS
Kevin Posinski, 62nd AMXS
Brian Pryor, 62nd APS
Thomas Robinson, 62nd OSS
Maria Roman Rosado, 62nd AW
Eric Ross, 62nd CPTS
Chauvin Rupley, 62nd MXS
Emily Russell, 62nd AMXS
Jeremy Schmid, 62nd APS
Peggy Schnack, 62nd MDS
Eric Scott, 62nd MXS
William Simmons, 4th AS
Zachary Smith, 62nd MXS
Andrew Spaulding, 62nd AMXS
Juanita Terrill, 62nd OSS
Joseph Van Eizenga, 62nd AW
Roberto Vargas, 62nd AW
Kevin Weaver, 62nd AMXS
Dustin Webb, 62nd MXS
Matthew Weber, 62nd MXS
Kenneth Wiedemann, 62nd OSS
Kyleigh Wiedemann, 62nd AW
Jeffrey Wilson, 62nd AMXS
Dustin Wineinger, 62nd MXS
David Wright, 62nd AMXS

SOUTHWEST ASIA  -- The deployed environment admittedly is a mostly male world. For a day though, a deployed KC-10 Extender crew made it an all-female day, as all four crew positions were held by females, truly making their mission "unmanned."

"I've been in the Air Force for six years and it's almost impossible to get an all-girl flight," said Staff Sgt. Lindy Campbell, a boom operator and flight air refueler for the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron. "I've always wanted to do this. We work in a male-dominated career field, so when we figured it was possible to do it here, I jumped at the opportunity. It was nice to fly with my sisters."

One reason it is almost impossible to have an all-female crew in the KC-10 is the fact that Staff Sgt. Sarah Lockley is the only female KC-10 flight engineer in the Air Force.

"It is a very rare occurrence," said Lt. Col. Kenneth Moss, the 908th EARS commander. "While the number of women in the KC-10 has increased over the years, and every crew position has women represented, there is currently only one active-duty female flight engineer in KC-10, so this crew composition is extremely rare."

The KC-10 mission is solely based out of Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. In the case of the female flight, two Airmen from each base made up the team. Campbell, a Sacremento native, is an Air Force Reservist.

"Today's flight was awesome," Lockley said. "We've never had [Airmen from both] Travis and McGuire, [and] active duty and reservists all combined in one flight. It was great to see how other bases and active duty and reservists work together. It was great crew dynamics."

The aircraft commander noticed the group's chemistry was different than normal as well.

"It went well today," said Capt. Lindsey Bauer, 908th EARS, KC-10 aircraft commander. "Nothing against guys, but we had a relaxing time. Having four girls in the cockpit was nice. We were all on the same level. It was a break from guys. We are around them all the time. It was nice to see how all females worked each of their crew positions. The meshing together of our crew went smoothly. I think the female thing had something to do with that."

For the women, the mission wasn't about doing something that's never been done. It was more about bonding and changing things up for a day.

"It wasn't about doing a 'first', although it's rare," said 1st Lt. Jen Carter, 908th EARS, KC-10 pilot. "We usually have no more than two females on a given day. It was a morale booster for us, and today it was a morale booster for the plane we refueled."

Although the flight was special for the women, getting the job done was their top priority. The crew kept busy performing several air refuelings on the mission.

"Our job is very important," Bauer said. "It keeps the war effort going. If we weren't up there able to give them gas, the receivers would have to go back and refuel costing them hours from doing their job. When we told them they were getting refueled by an 'unmanned' KC-10 they laughed and felt special. People were stoked that an all-female crew was giving them gas."

Moss said he noticed a change in his squadron, too.

"All of the women on the crew were absolutely brimming with excitement over this mission," Moss said. "Their enthusiasm was contagious to the other crews as well. Everyone knew how much it meant to them and fully supported their efforts. Anytime an entire unit can get behind the initiative of a few motivated Airmen, everyone wins."

Moss thinks events like this can serve as an example of just how far women have come in the military as well.

"I think it's great," Moss said. "The role of women in the military has increased greatly over the years, and the presence of women in all [Air Force specialty codes] has expanded to the point that sometimes we forget how far they have had to come. However, my young daughter unintentionally reminds me every day that she needs women to look up to; she needs women to prove that nothing is impossible; she needs female role models. I think an all-female crew shows her that another potential obstacle to her dreams no longer exists."

This from Air Force Times: An airstrike involving American fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft killed the Taliban leader responsible for the ambush that killed 38 U.S. and Afghan forces over the weekend, according to the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan.

The Tuesday airstrike killed Mullah Mohibullah and another insurgent who fired the shot that brought down a CH-47 Chinook on Aug. 6, killing the 30 U.S. troops aboard.

Military officials announced the airstrike Wednesday morning. Gen. John Allen, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, told reporters about the mission during a video conference at the Pentagon.

Air Force F-16s and an AC-130H, as well as Army AH-64 Apache helicopters conducted the operation, a spokesman for NATO troops in Afghanistan told Air Force Times.

The F-16s dropped GBU-38 and GBU-54 bombs, and the Spectre fired its 105mm and 40mm cannons. The Apaches attacked insurgents with 30mm cannons.

To read the complete story, click here.

 For women, pregnancy can mean packing on extra pounds and cutting out exercise for a few months.

This wasn't the case for Miriam Howard, executive officer for the 62nd Maintenance Group commander, who gave birth to her son, Jalen, 16 months ago and used the qualities of the Comprehensive Airmen Fitness program to stay active during and after her pregnancy.

"I had no experience to babies prior to having my son, so it was hard for me to imagine what it would be like," she said with a smile. "It was nothing like I could imagine, but in a good way."

Howard, formerly on Active Duty, now serves as a captain in the Reserve as the operations officer for the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. She and her Active Duty husband, Jean-Pierre, came to the decision that transitioning to the Reserve would be best for their new family.

"In a nutshell, family planning was the number one reason I chose the Reserve," she said. "My husband is Active Duty and adding a baby to the mix just meant some extra challenges we didn't feel we could successfully meet."

Balancing the roles of a first-time mother, wife, full-time executive officer and traditional Reservist, Howard explained how she made small changes to her workout regimen in order to keep her physical fitness in check during her pregnancy.

"Before I got pregnant, I worked out every day," she said. "So while I was pregnant, I kept that schedule and slightly modified it. I'm a big runner, so as my belly grew, the running got slower and shorter. Towards the end, the running just turned into walking. That was the biggest way I modified my cardio routine."

In addition to a cardio routine, Howard's personal fitness level prior to her pregnancy allowed her to continue strength training.

"I also weight lift, and I modified that by just lowering the amount of weight. I still lifted; I just didn't do it as aggressively as I normally do. And then again, as the belly got bigger and my whole body changed, I took out a lot of high-impact stuff like bike riding."

Even though she made small changes to her exercise routine, motivation didn't come so easily every day.

"For the first three months you usually feel sick and tired," she explained. "On those days, it was hard to get motivated. Towards the end of the pregnancy, you're just ready for the baby to come. Those are the only two points during my pregnancy I felt unmotivated. Other than that, I was still able to work out."

Howard felt it was important to work out during her pregnancy because fitness is a large part of her life and Air Force culture.

"For me, personally, I genuinely believe in the benefits of exercise in all aspects of your life," she said. "As far as mood, physical health, physiological health, that was a big reason. Also, I knew when the baby was born that I would want to get back into the routine of working out and I didn't want to be so far behind that it would be impossible to catch back up."

Post-baby, falling right back into a seven day-a-week fitness routine wasn't the easiest thing to do, Howard said.

"After he was born, there were a lot of factors that proved a seven day workout routine to be a challenge," she explained. "As a new parent, your life and your schedule is one hundred percent revolved around his schedule, and as an infant he doesn't have a schedule. There's no longer day and night, your life is kind of happening in three-hour increments between feedings. So it wasn't easy to fall back into the habit, but you do the best you can."

Along with physical fitness, mental health is another key factor of Comprehensive Airmen Fitness. According to Howard, the goal of exercising during a pregnancy is to feel good about yourself while staying healthy and happy.

"Counting calories and losing weight is not the point [of exercise] while you're pregnant," she said. "I think the point is to keep you in the rhythm of having that in your daily schedule. It's also a huge boost to your self-esteem. A lot of pregnant women go through the challenge of their body changing and hormones going crazy. Exercising while you're pregnant makes you feel good and at the end of the day, you know that you've done something productive for both you and your baby's health."

Comprehensive Airmen Fitness not only focuses on physical health, but mental social and spiritual fitness as well. Focusing on positive behaviors, like staying active before and after a pregnancy, the Howard family is able to build resiliency and conquer challenges of every day Air Force life.

Congratulations to the following Airmen who graduated Julius A. Kolb Airman Leadership School Aug. 12 at McChord Field, Wash.

Senior Airman Oryan Ballard
Senior Airman Thomas Braziel
Senior Airman Natalie Cox
Senior Airman Theresa Crouse
Senior Airman Sarah Draper
Senior Airman Kristopher Duer
Senior Airman Jonathan Flores
Staff Sgt. Darek Gorring
Senior Airman Thomas Gregory
Senior Airman Jeffery Holton
Senior Airman Michael Malisheske
Senior Airman Justin Martinez
Senior Airman Alexander Paccia
Senior Airman Joshua Rhives
Senior Airman Lawrence Shisler
Senior Airman Rika Smith
Staff Sgt. Jimmy Sweat II
Senior Airman Eric Walker

To the Airmen of Air Mobility Command (officers, enlisted and civilians),

Greetings to you from your new command chief! I am Chief Master Sgt. Andy Kaiser, and my beloved bride Debbie and I are honored and delighted to be your new "senior enlisted servants" for this amazing command.

I say "servants" for two reasons. First, Debbie has been my bride for my entire Air Force career, and I certainly would not be blessed to serve in this role were it not for her. We work together as a team. Second, we purposely use the word "servants" because that is exactly what we plan to do -- serve the men and women of Air Mobility Command alongside (AMC Commander) Gen. (Raymond E.) and Diana Johns, as you support our joint team members around the world.

Having previously served as a group superintendent and wing command chief within Air Mobility Command, we are thrilled to be back after nearly five years. With our global missions and locales, the sun never sets on AMC. And the reason we are always on the go, always moving something or someone is simple, because we say yes. When the call comes in, when someone needs something, we answer that call so that they may prevail, no matter their mission or location.

We are the ones who deliver hope, fuel the fight and save lives. Whether supporting combat ops or humanitarian relief, you are perpetually answering the call, saying "Yes!" and stepping forward to help others prevail and to ensure Global Reach for America, always. How awesome it is to once again be a part of this mission!

A few initial thoughts for you as we begin this journey together:

- We are exceptional! No other group of people has pledged to give their very lives, if necessary, to ensure America's freedoms and security. While we can appreciate sports legends, Hollywood stars, brilliant inventors, hard-working entrepreneurs, and our nation's leaders, there is no other group of people who do what we do, willing to pay the ultimate price. Total Force service members amount to just 0.7 percent of the American population, yet we literally make all the difference in the world. That is something to be awful proud of -- being a part of the "top 1 percent!"

- The mission demands our best! No matter what we do, others rely on us. It is for this reason we need to deliver our best every single day. Whether it is pushing a pallet, filling a prescription, fixing a troublesome engine, or one of thousands of other tasks, there is no room for slacking off. To do so could mean the very difference between mission accomplishment and mission stoppage, and not just our missions, but also the missions of those we serve. We are here to serve and we Airmen get the job done.

- We serve you and your families. Just as your missions ensure that others may prevail, so too does my work. In addition to advising General Johns, my role is to serve you by "running interference and removing roadblocks" as you execute the mission. Debbie believes her role is to serve our spouses and encourage them as they support their active duty spouse. Let's face it, being an Airman is an immense honor, and it is not for the faint-hearted. Being an Airman's spouse is equally rewarding and at times, incredibly tough. Debbie hopes to remind our spouses how truly precious they really are, and the critical role they play supporting our mission.

- Comprehensive Airman Fitness is a culture and a way of life. Our Air Force has had a significant presence in the Middle East since 1990, and today's triple operations of Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, and Unified Promise continue to tax an Airman's ability to bounce back after a significant challenge. By embodying the four pillars of mental fitness, physical fitness, social fitness, and spiritual fitness, our Airmen don't just survive, they thrive in these formidable times. If we do not keep ourselves strong, then we cannot do the missions we are called to do.

- The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little "extra." While all Airmen are exceptional (see the first point above), there are ordinary Airmen and extraordinary Airmen. Some may erroneously think to be extraordinary, you have to give twice the effort. I disagree. Often the difference between the two categories is just a little more effort, a little more professionalism, a touch more excellence.

- Communication is critical! To that end, our plans include establishing "AMC Command Chief" and "AMC Command Chief Spouse" Facebook pages. Our goal is to use this social media option to facilitate communication flow and encourage Airmen and spouses. In addition, I plan on generating periodic messages on current issues and enduring subjects. These are just two examples of how we hope to "keep the comm flowing."

- We'll see you soon! I can only best serve you by coming to you. Whether it is in Southwest Asia, our en route locations, or our state-side bases, I plan to spend time with as many AMC Airmen in the quickest manner possible. As much as she can, Debbie plans to join me on these visits.

Much more to follow, but for now Debbie and I simply say "THANK YOU!" to our Airmen and their families for serving. Your service and sacrifices make an incalculable difference to the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who rely on us and on every single American, and we are honored and humbled to serve alongside each of you!

The 446th Airlift Wing is the 2011 Lieutenant General James E. Sherrard III (AFRC) 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 specifically recognizes an Air Force Reserve Command wing having the most significant impact on the success of the Mobility Air Force.

In its nomination package, the 446th Airlift Wing touched on a wide variety of topics, demonstrating why it is deserving of the award.

Among the strengths of the wing is its versatility and volunteerism, evidenced by the number of mobility missions flown by mostly volunteer Reservists.

"The 446th Airlift Wing is the most versatile and professional in the Air Force Reserve Command; we prove it each day," said Col. Bruce Bowers, wing commander.

Between July1, 2010 and June 30, 2011, the wing flew more than 3,500 sorties, both in support of war tasking and global humanitarian relief. The wing averaged more than 200 sorties a month to 11 airfields; all on the backs of Reservists who cumulated 86,707 days of temporary duty and deployments.

"Our wing succeeds on the strength of its members," Bowers said.

The wing also highlighted in the nomination its major inspection results, its breadth of humanitarian assistance, force support accomplishments, safety record, and community involvement.

Lt. Gen. James E. Sherrard III had a most distinguished career - from his early days as a C-130 airlift pilot to this tenure at the highest levels of Air Force Reserve leadership. Sherrard twice served as vice commander for the Air Force Reserve. Sherrard has spanned the depth and breadth of the Air Force Reserve Command, including the command of three tactical airlift wings and both air mobility-focused numbered air forces. 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.