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Wing awards ceremony recognizes 'outstanding' unit and Airmen

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Susan Penning
  • 193rd Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
Middletown, Pa. --  During an annual wing awards ceremony here Dec. 18, members of the 193rd Special Operations Wing celebrated earning another Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, marking the 17th time the wing has received such award.

"Our members focus on overseas and domestic operations while ensuring our readiness is second to none. I couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments and efforts," said Col. Mike Cason, 193rd Special Operations Wing commander. "The wing has successfully tackled numerous deployments over the past two years, and these efforts have not gone unnoticed. We'll continue to support the Air Force in meeting our nation's military objectives with the utmost professionalism and expertise."

The honor of the AFOUA goes to units that have distinguished themselves through exceptional meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets them above and apart from their counterparts.

Some of the wing's recent accomplishments include 213,000 Class A and B mishap-free flying hours; Commando Solo aircraft flown for 500 combat flight hours and more than 3,000 broadcast hours; participation in 24 exercises; and deployment of 735 Airmen across the nation and 27 countries. Additionally, the Wing Color Guard and Airmen performed 44 details, honoring falling military members, veterans and families. Wing personnel raised thousands of dollars for the American Suicide Prevention Foundation, Special Olympics organizations and others. And the wing also captured several awards for leadership, teamwork and volunteerism.

In addition to celebrating another outstanding unit award, the wing awards ceremony offered an opportunity to recognize several outstanding Airmen from the wing. Master Sgt. Jason Maldonado, Capt. Colin Wilson, Master Sgt. Paul Wagaman, Tech. Sgt. Brent David Miller, Tech. Sgt. Ethan Jago and Senior Airman Abigail Buonomo each earned the prestigious Outstanding Airman of the Year award for outstanding performance and leadership that impacted the wing's mission and also supported fellow Airmen associated with the Air National Guard.