94th Airlift Wing a 2012 Air Force Outstanding Unit

by Lt. Col. Chad Gibson
94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, Dobbins Air Reserve Base

The 94th Airlift Wing was recognized for meritorious service and awarded the 2012 Air Force Outstanding Unit award.

The 94th AW was one of 14 Air Force Reserve wings given the award. The recognition is given by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. 

"This award is a testament not only to the consistent hard work and dedication of the men and women of the wing, but also of the support of our communities and families ," said Col. Tim Tarchick, 94th AW commander. "I am very proud of our Airmen - whenever our nation calls, they are always there to answer."

During the award period, the 94th AW deployed more than 350 personnel and was the lead wing for a deployment to Southwest Asia resulting in more than 700 flight hours and 830 combat or combat support sorties.

Prior to the deployment, the wing culminated 10 years of support to the formal training unit mission, as Air Force Reserve Command's only C-130 Field Training Unit. The unit trained more than 1,200 qualified, combat ready, tactical airlift crew members for proficiency in formation airland, airdrop and covert night tactical formation operations.

"It is simply amazing to see the work of this wing." said Chief Master Sgt. Wendell Peacock, 94th AW command chief. "Transitioning from a training wing to a unit with a wartime mission is a major shift that does not happen overnight. The fact that we were able to do that as smoothly as we did is a direct reflection on our Airmen. Their tenacity is second-to-none."

Reservists assigned to the 94th AW in 2012 may wear the appropriate ribbon or device immediately and will see their personnel file updated accordingly. Any former members will need to contact their servicing Military Personnel Section to get the ribbon updated in their record. 

The AFOU award, created in 1954, was the first independent Air Force award. Airmen were previously awarded Army medals. 

The 94th AW provides the Department of Defense exceptional C-130 Hercules mobilization, with combat-ready units ready to deploy on short notice and support for more than 10,000 guardsmen, reservists and civilians at the world's largest joint air reserve base.