Wenz achieves Commanders Award for Public Service

by Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

2/20/2015 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Warren Wenz, a member of the Air Force Global Strike Command Civic Leader Program, received the Commanders Award for Public Service Feb. 18 at the Meadowlark Country Club in Great Falls, Montana.

A member of the program from Jan. 1, 2010 to May 31, 2014, Wenz represented Great Falls and advised AFGSC leaders on the concerns of the community, and raised national awareness of AFGSC's role in national defense and nuclear deterrence.

This unwavering dedication to assisting the command to be more widely accepted in the community led to his nomination for the award.

His work as a community activist spans nearly 40 years, involving both military and off-base agencies. Wenz has been a part of the Military Affairs Committee for many years and served as its chair from 1988 to 1989. He was also a member of the board of directors for the Montana Chamber of Commerce from 1990 to 1999 and served as its chair from 1996 to 1997.

Before Air Force Space Command transitioned to AFGSC, Wenz served in its Civilian Commanders Group, and now serves in its current iteration under AFGSC. Due to his long-standing commitment to the program he was selected to join the Civic Leader Group for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Jan. 1, 2008.

"As a civic leader dedicated to the Air Force and AFGSC, Mr. Wenz has been integral to the success of the program," said Lt. Col. John Sheets, AFGSC Public Affairs director, in a nomination letter. "Mr. Wenz is truly deserving of this recognition."

Wenz was presented the award by Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, AFGSC commander, during a surprise presentation at a dinner he thought was for a civic leaders meeting.

"Our civic leaders are such a powerful and important part of what happens in all of our communities," Wilson said. "Tonight we are going to honor (Wenz) with a special presentation for his years and years of selfless service, not only to the community, but to our Airmen and families."

Taken aback by the announcement, Wenz joined the general at the front of the room they were dining in to receive his award.

"During his tenure in the program, which spanned three Air Force Global Strike commanders, Mr. Wenz represented the community of Great Falls to the more than 25,000 Airmen and their families in Air Force Global Strike Command," said Senior Airman Michele Collins, 341st Missile Wing protocol assistant, during the award presentation. "He also enhanced public awareness and support to Global Strike issues through speeches and personal contact with his local regional contacts."

After accepting the award Wenz spoke shortly about his time in the program and those he had known through his tenure.

"It's been a great ride, and it's been a lot of fun," Wenz said. "I've met a lot of wonderful people, not just the wing commanders, but others who have come through here and gone on to wear stars. It's just been a wonderful ride, so thank you very much."

Wenz recalled how the base has changed since he began taking part in its community, and how the Airmen stationed here have continued to excel.

"Over the years I have watched as the Air Force has made significant improvements to the base," Wenz said. "Likely, few remember the old facilities which are now mostly gone. New housing, work place and recreational facilities (have been built). More importantly, the quality and skill of the men and women stationed has remained excellent."

Thanks to Wenz's work, AFGSC is much more widely accepted as a national deterrent, both in the community and nationwide.