A Salute to the A/TA Industry Partners - Airlift/Tanker Association

The Airlift/Tanker Association Lieutenant General James E. Sherrard III Award is presented annuallyto the most outstanding Air Force Reserve wing or group that distinguished itself in theperformance and support of the Mobility Air Forces mission. The unitembodies the spirit and essence of the Citizen Airman balancingthe operational demands of today’s global mobility operations,maintaining a viable strategic reserve for tomorrow while embracingresponsibilities to their civilian employer, community, and family.2010 A/TA LtGen James E. Sherrard IIIAFRC Outstanding Unit Award446th Airlift WingThe 446th Airlift Wing is Washington State’s only Air Force Reserveflying unit and is headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord(McChord Field), Washington. The mission of the wing is to providecitizen warriors and maintain equipment to meetAmerica’s global airlift requirements.The nearly 2,400 men and women assignedto the 446th AW support the Air Mobility Commandmission around the world on a daily basis,performing 44 percent of all C-17 missionsleaving McChord Field. The 446th AW is nearlya mirror image of the active-duty wing at JBLM,and blends seamlessly into active-duty operationswhen called upon.The 446th Airlift Wing distinguished itselfby exceptionally meritorious service from 1 July2010 to 30 June 2011. During this period, the446th Airlift Wing accomplished its missionin support of numerous overseas contingencyoperations as well as all of its global peacetimemissions. The consistent, excellent performance and true dedicationto duty of the 446th Airlift Wing exemplifies the nature ofthe Air Force Reserve. The significant and successful participationof the wing in the conduct of combat operations prove its abilityto perform its duties in the most extreme conditions.The distinguished participation of wing personnel in contingencyand humanitarian operations including support of Antarc-tic operations demonstrate that wing personnel, individually andcollectively as a team, are well-trained and have earned a criticalposition in the Nation’s defense posture. The members of the446th Airlift Wing excel at demonstrating theAir Force core value of “service before self’ bybalancing the demands of families, employers,and country, while being good and contributingneighbors in the civilian community.The distinctive accomplishments of themembers of the 446th Airlift Wing reflect greatcredit upon themselves and the United StatesAir Force.The men and women of the 446th AirliftWing personify “Citizen Airmen” as they havetackled the challenges of the wartime mobilityair force along with supporting global humanitarianrelief efforts and airlift demands whilemaintaining impeccable Readiness and Manningnumbers. Despite numerous deployments,the 446th Airlift Wing continued to fulfill their responsibilitieson the home front by hosting world-class events, such as AMCRodeo and the Washington Special Olympics.It is this kind of dedication to military duty and responsibilityto civilian life that embodies the spirit of this award and thusmakes the 446th Airli ft Wing truly deserving of the A/TA Lt GenJames E. Sherrard III Award.“The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights,makes the most reliable soldier on earth.”–LtGen Thomas J. “Stonewall” JacksonLtGen 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 Reserveleadership. General Sherrard twice served as vice commander as well as the tenth and longest-serving Chief of the Air Force Reserve and Commander, Air ForceReserve Command. General Sherrard with his leadership and influence has spanned the depth and breadth of the Air Force Reserve Command, including thecommand of three tactical airlift wings and both air mobility-focused numbered air forces. A true champion of air mobility, among his awards are the DistinguishedService Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC) and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass.52A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2011