7th AF Personnel Director garners ROK, US Alliance Award

  • Published
  • By Maj Eric Badger
  • 7th AF Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Lieutenant Colonel Scott P. Maskery, 7th Air Force Director of Manpower, Personnel, and Services, was awarded the 2011 Patriot Award Sept. 30 for outstanding contributions to the Republic of Korea (ROK)-US alliance.

The Korean name for the award is "Wigook Heonsin Sang" or "Patriot Award" in English. The award ceremony was held at the ROK Ministry of National Defense (MND) Compound, Seoul, Korea. There were 10 ROK recipients and one US recipient--Lt Col Maskery.

The Bristol, Connecticut native was selected from among the top eight nominees throughout all US Forces-Korea (USFK) and the service component units for the award, including both Osan and Kunsan Air Bases. A combined US-ROK board convened in July to nominate the top two candidates to the MND. After a competitive board process, the MND officials selected Lt Col Maskery to receive the prestigious award.

"My selection is really a reflection of all the people that I've worked with here in Korea," said Maskery. "This includes US military, ROK military and our civilian mission partners throughout the ROK, I just happen to be the person receiving the award."

This event marks only the second ROK-US Alliance Award given, and the first time it has been awarded to an Airman. The previous recipient was US Marine Lt Col Christopher R. Escamilla.

"There are so many great US servicemembers serving in Korea that are just as deserving of this award as I am," said Maskery. "That is why I'm so honored and pleased to see an Airmen being recognized this time around."

Among approximately 115 guests were senior military, corporate and community leaders, including ROK Defense Minister Kim Kwan Jin, 7th AF Commander Lt Gen Jeffrey A. Remington, retired ROK Army Gen. Paik Sun-yup and Chosun Daily President Mr. Bang Sang-Hoon.

Also in attendance was Lt Col Maskery's wife Jennifer and their two children--13-year-old Elena and 8-year-old Paul.

"I'm thankful that my family was invited," he said. "It's fun to be recognized, but certainly even better that my family was here to share it with me."

Mrs. Maskery echoed the same sentiments as her husband.

"Words really cannot describe how proud we are of him," she said. "I'm delighted to be a part of this moment with him."

Colonel Maskery's current assignment is the third Korea assignment of his 19-year career. From July 2007 to 2010, he served as Deputy Director, Implementation Secretariat at US Army Garrison-Yongsan. Prior to that, he was the 8th Logistics Group Executive Officer at Kunsan Air Base from June 1996 to May 1997.

"The thought recently occurred to me that I have lived in Korea longer than any other place in my entire adult life," said Maskery. "My family and I have been treated with the utmost kindness and respect during our time here. For that kindness and respect, I want to thank all of our Korean allies from the bottom of my heart and it is an honor to serve in Korea.