And the winners are ... Unrivaled Wingmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amaani Lyle
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
CLINTON, Md. --  A sea of blue suits filled the Colony South Hotel in Clinton, Md., May 5 when wing members gathered for recognition and camaraderie during the Second Annual Awards Banquet. 

The banquet, coordinated by the First Sergeant's Council, Banquet Committee and Chief's Group, and sponsored by partners such as USAA, the 756th Squadron Association and the Andrews Federal Credit Union, honored military and civilian personnel. 

The 756th Squadron Association not only sent personalized congratulatory letters and complimentary first-year membership enrollment to the winners, but provided equivalent cash amounts of 50 dollars to The Fisher House on behalf of each winner, who received cash prizes from AFCU. 

Several of the awards were named specifically after people who significantly and positively impacted their respective fields. 

The Charles Woodward Award, First Sergeant Award for Excellence, signifies "excellent performance of Air Force-related functions and ethical standards that demonstrate leadership abilities." 

The Rudy Rodriguez Award, Company Grade Officer Award for Excellence, denotes the ability to "consistently motivate subordinates through willingness to lead by example" among other traits. 

The Paul R. Julian Jr. Award, Excellence in Aviation, highlights those who display "superior Airmanship skills and knowledge, and possess the immense respect of supervisors, peers and fellow aviators." 

A committee of wing members selected winners based on three categories: Leadership and Performance in Primary Duty, Significant Self Improvement, and Base or Community Involvement.