302nd Airlift Wing recognized as outstanding unit Published July 24, 2012 By Col. Jay Pittman 302nd Airlift Wing commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- In early May I received word from Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner, Jr., Air Force Reserve Commander, the members of the 302nd Airlift Wing had earned the 2011 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. We were one of only two C-130 wings and one of only ten Air Force Reserve organizations to receive this recognition for the award's time period. This is an extremely noteworthy accomplishment and is well-deserved by every member of our wing. I would like to personally congratulate every wing member for your outstanding performance and for earning this recognition. The award timeframe, September 2009 through September 2011 was an incredibly busy period for us. Our wing's versatility and long list of accomplishments were amongst the achievements recognized. Deployments throughout the wing, humanitarian airlift, Modular Airborne Fire Fighting, outstanding aircraft maintenance, exceptional Total Force Integration with our active duty airlift squadron, exceptional communications and aerial port operations, outstanding aeromedical evacuation and logistics readiness support recognized by Air Force Reserve Command are just a few of our notable achievements. Today, our operations tempo remains high. In fact, for those involved in the Wing's Operational Readiness Exercise and those who will be participating in the Operational Readiness Inspection, I thank you for your extra efforts. The ORE showed us we are exactly where we should be in the preparation process and I know I can count on everyone to perform to their best ability in October. When you look at the long list of accomplishments and the variety of missions the members of this Reserve wing have supported, as a part-time force, it is simply amazing. I am proud of each and every member of this wing and I am especially grateful to their families and civilian employers whose support is critical to our success. Air Force Reservists currently serving with the 302nd Airlift Wing during the time period for this award are authorized to wear the AFOUA ribbon or device. Any former members will need to contact their servicing Military Personnel Section to get the ribbon updated in their record. Wear it proudly, I know I will. We most certainly earned it! Finally, please remember to invite your families to be here for the wing's Family Day on Saturday of the August UTA. It has been an outstanding event and a great way to celebrate our successes and thank those who support your Reserve career. I look forward to seeing you there!