LRS, commander receive top honors from AFRC

  • Published
  • By Jasmine DeNamur
  • 919th SOW Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD --  The 919th Logistics Readiness Squadron was recognized by Air Force Reserve Command with the National Defense Transportation Association Military Unit Award, for its contributions toward the success of the Department of Defense mission. 

"I'm very proud of what the 919th LRS has accomplished," said Capt. Melissa Tims, squadron commander. "The members are very deserving of this award and much more." 

According to the NDTA, the award is given to organizations that have gone above and beyond, using extraordinary measures to support vital goals in the field of transportation and logistics. The award is given to a military unit selected from all service branches, making it sweeter to earn for this AFRC unit. 

The aerial delivery and vehicle management areas of the squadron have been through many changes over this past year. Every member should be proud of their team accomplishment, said Captain Tims. 

This accomplishment reflects every aspect of the unit, to include a distinct recognition to the air transporters and members of the ground transportation team. Without them, this award would not have been possible, she said. 

"I'm blessed to be able to be part of a unit with a great work ethic and outstanding cohesiveness. The members have proven their worth well before this recognition by earning an 'Outstanding' rating during the 2006 Air Force Special Operations Command Operational Readiness Inspection, all the while supporting multiple real-world contingencies and MC-130E Combat Talon I Schoolhouse airdrop support." 

While this award recognizes the squadron as a whole, another award given tells the story of one of its biggest supporters: the commander herself. 

AFRC also recognized Captain Tims as the George F. Ruestow Air Force Logistics Readiness Senior Civilian Manager of the Year for 2006, a recognition that she contributes to her fellow squadron members. 

"Any award earned on an individual basis is made up of a backbone of support from many people. Without their dedication and extra efforts toward the betterment of the unit, I wouldn't have been able to focus and do my job without unnecessary problems," she said. 

"As cliché as it may sound, no award associated with this unit would have been garnered without the support of its very core: the members."