By Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon, 97th Air Mobility Wing
Public Affairs / Published March 07, 2014
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFNS) -- Air Force officials
announced Altus Air Force Base as the Air Force's Commander-in-Chief's
Installation Excellence Award winner March 6.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III broke the
news to a crowded hangar of Airmen during a 97th Air Mobility Wing all call
during his visit here.
"Congratulations. That's a phenomenal
accomplishment," Welsh said. "It takes everybody in a wing to make it
happen, and it takes everybody in the community to support you to accomplish
this. It's really exciting news for all of us."
In addition to recognition as the best base in the Air
Force, a monetary incentive of $1 million will be awarded for future quality of
life improvements.
"This just confirms what I've known all along; the
Mighty 97th has the best active duty, Reserve and civilian Airmen and what
you've accomplished in the last year is nothing short of phenomenal," said
Col. Bill Spangenthal, the commander of the 97th AMW. "Our focus on
accomplishing the mission, developing our Airmen and caring for our families is
the motivation to achieve even greater results in the future."
Air Education and Training Command Commander Gen. Robin Rand
announced the wing as the AETC nominee for the award in November. The 97th AMW
went on to represent the command at the Air Force level. Altus AFB and Travis
Air Force Base, Calif., were the final two competitors in the running for the
AF-level award.
A selection board consisting of four colonels visited in
January to see the 97th AMW Airmen in action.
"Altus AFB has stood out as an example in innovation
and cost-savings across our Air Force," Rand said. "This is a
collective reflection of dedicated Airmen contributing to overall mission
success. The result of their hard work can be seen throughout the service and
around the world through global mobility. Thank you for your commitment to excellence."
Welsh and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody
visited Altus AFB to thank Airmen and their families, and to learn more about
the training and support missions here. Their visit also served as a perfect
opportunity to announce the award.
"It's a testament to what you do every single day for
our Air Force," Cody said. "You're not asking for anybody to identify
you for what you do, but you do it for a chance to serve your country. It's
well deserved."
To win the award, an installation must demonstrate exemplary
support for the Department of Defense mission and show marked improvement and
innovative progress in various processes that are fundamental to an
installation's successful operations.
As the Air Force's top installation, Altus AFB will compete
for the Department of Defense's 2014 Commander in Chief's Installation
Excellence Award.
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