AFRC commander to present award May 5

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tom Talbert
  • 442nd Fighter Wing public affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Air Force reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing here will be recognized Saturday for their contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan by the chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command.

Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, will formally present the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award to more than 300 Citizen Airmen who deployed for four months to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, from the beginning of May until mid-September 2006. 

The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, the wing Air Force reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing were assigned to while serving in Afghanistan, received the award for its performance against Taliban extremists. 

"I think it's highly fitting and applicable based on what our folks did over there," said Col. Steve Arthur, 442nd Fighter Wing commander. "Look at what they accomplished -- integration with active duty after a last minute notification. They got up, deployed and then set records over there for munitions expenditures. They are highly-deserving and should feel proud." 

The award recognizes Air Force active-duty, Reserve and Air National Guard units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding achievement or service in direct support of combat operations for at least 90 continuous days during the period of military operations against an armed enemy of the United States on or after Sept.11, 2001. 

According to criteria set in Air Force guidelines, "the unit must display such outstanding devotion and superior performance of exceptionally difficult tasks as to set it apart and above other units with similar missions." 

The decoration is the unit equivalent to the Legion of Merit, one of the military's highest honors. Squadrons, groups and wings may be recommended for the award. 

The Citizen Airmen deployed from the 442nd, included maintenance specialists, pilots, intelligence specialists, operations support Airmen and a public affairs officer. 

"This is not just an honor for the 300 Reserve Airmen who deployed, but for the entire 442nd Fighter Wing," Colonel Arthur said. "The whole wing, everyone who deployed and supported the deployment from here at Whiteman, did a wonderful job and I think it's very appropriate."