A/TQ covers - Airlift/Tanker Association

The Airlift/Tanker Association Lieutenant General James E. Sherrard III Award is presented annually to the most
outstanding Air Force Reserve wing or group that distinguished itself in the performance and
support of the Mobility Air Forces mission. The unit embodies the spirit and essence
of the Citizen Airman, balancing
the operational demands of today’s
global mobility operations, maintaining a viable strategic reserve for tomorrow while
embracing responsibilities to their civilian employer, community, and family.
507th Air Refueling Wing
The 507th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) is the largest Air Force Reserve
Command flying unit in the state of Oklahoma. The wing,
headquartered at Tinker Air Force
Base, Oklahoma, is a full Total Force
partner, with Air Mobility Command
(AMC) and the Air National Guard.
The 1,140 men and women assigned
to the 507th ARW support the Mobility
Air Force mission by answering the
call so that others may prevail. The
wing operates and maintains 12 KC-
135R “Stratotanker” aircraft providing
world-wide aerial refueling to U.S.
Military and NATO aircraft.
The 507th Air Refueling Wing distinguished
itself by exceptionally
meritorious service from 1 July 2011
to 30 June 2012. During this period,
the 507th Air Refueling Wing accomplished
its mobility air force mission
with a maximum degree of professionalism.
Aircrew and maintenance
achieved an impressive 6,108 flying
hours, supporting 1,593 sorties; in
worldwide mobility efforts, including
Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, UNIFIED PROTECT, NEW
DAWN and ODYSSEY DAWN, in concert with the United Nations.
They provided unprecedented volunteers for Expeditionary Air
Force deployments, including split operations from Al Udeid to
Incirlik to Moron Air Bases. Leading Air Force Reserve Command
in maintenance, the maintenance group achieved a mission capable
rate of 71 percent or greater, for six consecutive quarters,
exceeding Air Force standards. Under fire and enemy barrage, the
wing earned Air Force Association’s Aircrew of the Year Award
for undaunted courage in theater. Finally, the wing distinguished
itself during the Air Mobility Command Inspector General 2012
Nuclear and Operational Readiness
Inspections; where the wing received
back to back “Excellent” rating earning
recognition for “a phenomenally
strong performance” by General
Johns, Commander, Air Mobility
Command.
The men and women of the 507th
Refueling Wing personify “Citizen
Airmen” as they have tackled the
challenges of the wartime Air Force
along with supporting global humanitarian
relief efforts and refueling demands
while maintaining impeccable
Readiness and Manning numbers. In
addition to numerous deployments,
the 507th Refueling Wing continued
to fulfill their responsibilities on the
home front by participating in the
OKC Memorial Marathon, Tinker
AFB Open House, and supporting the
local VA Veteran’s Center.
The wing has a strong history of
sustained superior performance. In July of this year, the 507th
was also awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its
accomplishments from August 2010 to September 2011. The announcement
made by Air Force officials represented the ninth
time the 507th ARW has received this honor.
This dedication to military duty and responsibility to civilian
life embodies the spirit of this award and thus makes the 507th
Refueling Wing truly deserving of the A/TA Lt Gen James E.
Sherrard III Award.
“The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights,
makes the most reliable soldier on earth.”
–LtGen Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson
LtGen James E. Sherrard III had a most distinguished career – from his early days as a C-130 airlift pilot to his tenure at the highest levels of Air Force Reserve
leadership. General Sherrard twice served as vice commander as well as the tenth and longest-serving Chief of the Air Force Reserve and Commander, Air Force
Reserve Command. General Sherrard with his leadership and influence has spanned the depth and breadth of the Air Force Reserve Command, including the
command of three tactical airlift wings and both air mobility-focused numbered air forces. A true champion of air mobility, among his awards are the Distinguished
Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC) and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass.
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2012
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