23d WG, 93d AGOW earn prestigious unit awards

by Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs
23d Wing Public Affairs

10/18/2012 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 23d Wing and 93d Air Ground Operations Wing recently earned the Meritorious Unit Award and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award respectively.

The hard work of the Airmen of the 23d Wing paid off after receiving notification from Air Combat Command of winning the Meritorious Unit Award Oct. 4, 2012. The 93d Air Ground Operations Wing, a tenant unit at Moody, was recognized for accomplishments this year. This year makes four times winning the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the 93d AGOW.

The 23d Wing was given the award for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding achievement or service in direct support of combat operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and the Horn of Africa from June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2012.

"I am continually impressed with the outstanding Airmen in the 23d WG," said U.S. Air Force Chief Mast Sgt. Frank Batten, 23d WG command chief. "No matter the challenge, we always make it happen."

As stated in the citation, during the period 23d WG Airmen conducted more than 330 high-risk missions, garnering 33 Bronze Stars, six with valor, and 15 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 11 of which were also with valor.

The Meritorious Unit Award recognizes Air Force active duty, reserve and guard units for exceptional service in direct support of combat operations against armed enemies of the United States after Sept. 11, 2001.

To earn the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the 93d AGOW deployed more than 900 Airmen to eight countries in support of every major contingency operation. The 93d AGOW also led over 1,000 personnel from 10 coalition nations, while safeguarding more than 400 aircraft and $50 billion dollars of war fighting equipment.

"This shows the dedication and professionalism of Airmen within the wing," said U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Walski, 93d AGOW vice commander. "Deploying and doing the mission day in and day out at a superior level of performance is second nature."

The award is presented as a ribbon to any command of the U.S. Air Force which performs exceptionally meritorious service, accomplishes specific acts of outstanding achievement, excels in combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, or conducts with distinction military operations involving conflict with, or exposure to, a hostile action by any opposing foreign force.

"I am honored to be able to serve with Airmen who constantly strive to be the very best," said Col. Billy Thompson, 23d WG commander. "Thanks for all you do, great work!"

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