CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
437th Airlift Wing Airmen stationed at Charleston AFB between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008, are now authorized to wear the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
"This award recognizes the tremendous efforts put forth by our Airmen as we fight the global war on terrorism," said Col. Red Millander, 437 AW commander.
During the timeframe for the award, Charleston AFB delivered more than 113,000 passengers, 89,000 tons of war-fighting material and more than 2,600 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles directly to forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and various bases throughout the area of responsibility.
With 50 percent of the Airmen at Charleston AFB deployed during 2008, it is obvious that our operational pace has not slowed down since July 2007, Colonel Millander said.
"An Airman's importance to our mission is not determined by how close they work to a cockpit -- it takes a team effort to accomplish our mission. Without a doubt, every individual at Charleston AFB played a key role in our base receiving the Outstanding Unit Award," he said.
This is not the first time Charleston AFB has been recognized for their teamwork and effective use of manpower. During 2008, the wing was honored as the 2008 Air Force Association's Verne Orr Award Winner for the best utilization of human resources. Additionally, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and Charleston community were awarded the Abilene Trophy for outstanding civilian community support to an Air Force base during 2008.
"It is truly a blessing to have a community that is so supportive of our Airmen," Colonel Millander said. "This Outstanding Unit Award is something that our Airmen and the community can be proud of for years to come."