2007: Bradley presents Gallant Unit Citation, awards to OG

  • Published
  • By Jasmine DeNamur, Midnight Express - April 2007
  • 919th SOW Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  (Editor's Note: This story is republished as a historic tribute to the 919th Special Operations Wing's Midnight Express newspaper, which goes out of print beginning this month.)

Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, commander of Air Force Reserve Command and chief of the Air Force Reserve, presented the 919th Operations Group here with the Gallant Unit Citation March 3, officially marking the first time a Reserve unit has ever received this recognition. 

"I'm extraordinarily honored to get to be here in the presence of so many great Airmen who have served our nation so well for so many years," said General Bradley. "I can't thank you enough for the great volunteerism you've given us over this time. It's been tremendous." 

After the Gallant Unit Citation was presented, the ceremony continued on to recognize three Airmen and two crews during an additional presentation of awards. 

Col. Kenneth E. Ray was awarded the Silver Star, Maj. Anthony O. Lawrence was presented with a Distinguished Flying Cross, and Maj. Christopher E. Snider was presented with the Bronze Star Medal. Members from the crews, STEEL 72 and STEEL 71, were presented with awards as well. 

This recognition is a team effort. From the newcomer fresh out of basic training to the most experienced pilot, this award could not have been garnered without the support of every member of this wing, said Col. Steven J. Chapman, 919th Special Operations Wing commander. 

It is an honor to be associated with an organization that earned such an award for its fight against terror during these trying times, he said. 

The wing's Fuel Cell Hangar was filled with hundreds of people ranging from reservists and family members to military and civilian dignitaries. Amongst the attendees were U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, Lt. Gen. Michael W. Wooley, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, retired Lt. Gen. James E. Sherrard III, former Air Force Reserve chief and AFRC commander, and Maj. Gen. Richard C. Collins, commander of 10th Air Force. 

The wing's two assigned aircraft, the MC-130E Combat Talon I and the MC-130P Combat Shadow were showcased near the hangar doors during the ceremony.
The 919th OG would not have been able to take the wing's aircraft into combat operations had the 919th Maintenance Group not done its work and made the very old but not-too-tired-yet aircraft ready for combat, said General Bradley. 

These great aircrews took these aircraft into very difficult conditions, he said. 

From Oct. 19, 2003 to July 1, 2003, the time frame in which the Gallant Unit Citation, individual and crew awards are recognized for, MC-130E and MC-130P aircrews flew low-level missions through hostile territories to provide air refueling for special operations aircraft. They also air dropped special operations teams, personnel and equipment, and transported dignitaries during missions. 

"This unit is without equal in our command," said General Bradley. "You could add up all the decorations presented around our command and it would not equal the total that this wing has been presented - over 900 decorations in the last five and a half years." 

"You do it with great courage, and you do it with great skill and professionalism...Thank you for doing what you do, and you do it better than anyone I know," he said.