Grissom ATC earns AFRC awards Published Feb. 29, 2016 By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind.- -- The 434th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control section carried on a tradition of excellence as they closed out 2015 with three Air Force Reserve Command Awards. "Time and time again this great team has stepped up and answered the call," said Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. "What they do impacts not only Grissom, but the entire air traffic network in the region. I couldn't be more proud of them and the work they do." Grissom ATC facility manages military, civilian and commercial air traffic between Chicago and Indianapolis, going as far west as Lafayette, Ind., up to 10,000 feet. The first award, Air Traffic Control Facility of the Year, was awarded to the section for their dedication, teamwork and numerous accomplishments throughout the year. "The Facility of the Year Award is a great representation of all of our controllers," said Robert Moore, 434th OSS airfield operations manager. "This award clearly captures all of our controllers who make significant contributions to our facilities as we support Grissom ARB and the National Airspace System." According to the nomination package, Grissom ATC workforce efforts directly contributed to the successful Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection and multiple successful exercises and operational taskings. "I've witnessed first-hand the outstanding dedication and professionalism of our air traffic control team," added Schwartz. "I'm not surprised at all that others are recognizing both the individual team members, as well as the entire ATC organization for their tremendous job performance." In addition to facility of the year, Paul Colburn, 434th OSS air traffic controller, was named AFRC Air Traffic Controller of the Year and Kevin Ware, 434th OSS watch supervisor, was named AFRC Air Traffic Control Watch Supervisor of the Year. "Paul and Kevin are definitely worthy of their awards as they contributed more than we could possibly even ask," explained Moore. "They truly put service before self in an effort to make our facilities and our air traffic control procedures and processes better than what they were a year ago." The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission. Stay connected, visit Grissom on Facebook and Twitter.
