Master Sgt. Scott G. Winchell of the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron at McChord Field may not be as famous as the "candy bomber" who parachuted treats to the children of Berlin during World War II, but he has demonstrated similar outstanding air transportation accomplishments like the "chocolate pilot" himself - Col. Gail Halvorsen. 

Winchell is the 2012 Airlift/Tanker Association (A/TA) Col. Gail Halvorsen Award winner, and was recognized, in part, for his achievements while in theater in Afghanistan.

When Winchell discovered an illegal cargo shipment of personal goods and weapons, he unknowingly uncovered a systematic illicit operation. He was later instrumental in changing policy to mitigate the practice from occurring again.  

"I didn't get here by myself," said the 18-year veteran of his award. "This was a team effort - other NCOs and leadership played a major role in making it happen. Colonel Halvorsen looked past and recognized that it was the NCOs and crews on the ground that were the backbone of the mission. He had great respect for the enlisted. I'm very humbled to receive this award, but it's about the team, and that's what makes it so special."

The A/TA Award is bestowed on "individuals who perform air transportation duties that directly support airlift or tanker flying operations." It also recognizes those who demonstrate sustained excellence, adjust to extraordinary work duties, reduce process time of missions and solve problems in challenging situations.

Winchell, a former Air Mobility Expeditionary Warrior of the Year winner, has deployed six times in the last eight years. During one of those tours of duty, he won a Bronze Star Medal for assisting with the "black ops coordination and daily running of aviation-related functions," he said.  

However, the mission that had the biggest personal impact on him occurred during a Black Hawk's medical evacuation.

As he assisted in bringing in the wounded off the field, "it put a different flavor in my mouth," he said. "There's a different realism to what you do when you realize your job is an important part of a joint understanding of the mission. It's not all about the Air Force or the Army; it's about a joint effort. It makes you really appreciate and understand why we are there."

When asked how this award has changed his life, Winchell said his kids Ashlee, 11, and Aiden, 8, thought it was pretty cool.

"But as a leader it hasn't changed me," he said. "I still lead with the same intensity and passion, and still push my folks and recognize and relish in their achievements."

Winchell will be formally recognized in November at the 2012 A/TA Symposium, where he will also meet Col. Halvorsen. Days later, he will deploy once again - to Kandahar Province in Afghanistan, where he's expected to improve its processes and duplicate the successes of his last mission.

Photo: Master Sgt. Scott G. Winchell of the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron at McChord Field is the 2012 Airlift/Tanker Association (A/TA) Col. Gail Halvorsen Award winner, and was recognized, in part, for his achievements while in theater in Afghanistan.