434th MSG wins 4th AF award

Published Nov. 7, 2016
By Staff Sgt. Dakota Bergl
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- The 434th Mission Support Group was recently awarded the Tech. Sgt. Anthony C. Campbell Jr. Trophy in recognition of being the best Mission Support Group in the 4th Air Force.

The award was presented Oct. 20 at the annual commander’s conference at 4th Air Force Headquarters at March Air Reserve Base, California.

“I’m honored that we were selected,” said Col. Scott Russell, 434th Mission Support Group commander. “Our folks have done some tremendous things and I’m glad they received the recognition they so richly deserve.”

"There were several extremely competitive groups this year,” said Lt. Col. Eddy Palacios, Headquarters 4th Air Force Campbell Award Board chair. “The 434 MSG out of Grissom ARB, Ind., however was the standout in the group. We are continually astounded by the great capabilities, and equally great spirit and 'can do' attitude that the 434 MSG demonstrated to earn this recognition.”

In addition to the running the day-to-day operations of the base support function, the MSG stepped up for some major projects, initiatives and missions during the year.
Over $50 million in critical construction projects are being managed by the team including a $36 million fuel hydrant system.

“The fuel hydrant system is significant because it is a major investment in Grissom’s future,” said Col. Larry Shaw 434th Air Refueling Wing commander.

The MSG commander is often referred to as ‘the mayor’ of Grissom because the amount of organizations and mission sets that fall under the MSG umbrella. Mission sets that keep Grissom running such as civil engineering, security, communications, force support/services, security, fire logistics, and aerial port.

Those mission sets set the table for the flying mission and maintenance missions to be accomplished and supported.

During the year hundreds of people were processed through deployment and re-deployment processing lines to ensure they left home prepared to do the mission and were taken care of when they returned. The MSG is responsible for those lines.

"When it comes to processing personnel we sweat what others may see as ‘the small stuff,’” said Lt. Col. Lt. Col. Barbara Cheeks, 434th Force Support Squadron commander. "We care about our members, and we want to ensure that Airmen and their families have all their deployment requirements and personal business taken care of before they depart.

“This allows our Airmen to focus on the mission once they arrive at the deployed location,” she added.

At home, Grissom’s fitness center became the first in the Air Force Reserve Command to go to 24-hour operations.

MSG personnel also impacted the future of others in a positive way.
Through the Denton program, the MSG supported humanitarian relief sending rice and clothing to impoverished and war-torn nations.

"People enjoy the mission, they get a sense of motivation, putting together the cargo and the end product is helping others," said Master Sgt. Laurie Latchaw, 49th Aerial Port Flight deputy superintendent.

Another important mission that helped set Grissom apart in the award was explosive ordnance disposal.
During the award period, Grissom EOD personnel rendered safe 11 live munitions at the request of local law enforcement agencies. Through agreements, EOD responds for military munitions in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.

“When you look back at all we’ve done, there is a lot to be proud of,” Russell said. “I hope that every MSG member knows they were vital to us winning this award, and vital to the mission at Grissom. We’re behind the scenes a lot, but as this award proves, people are watching and aware of the great things we do.”

The Tech. Sgt. Anthony C. Campbell Jr. Award for Mission Support Group Excellence honors the explosive ordnance disposal technician who was killed Dec. 15, 2009, while attempting to steer his team clear of an improvised explosive device during a cordon and search mission in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

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.

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434th MSG wins 4th AF award

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