Pacific Air Commando honored at ACA banquet

  • Published
  • By By Tech. Sgt. Kristine Dreyer
  • 353rd Special Operations Group Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  An Airmen from the 353rd Special Operations Group was honored at the 2015 Air Commando Association Banquet Oct. 10, 2014 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Wilson, a loadmaster at the 1st Special Operations Squadron received the ACA’s Commander’s Leadership Award.

According to the ACA website, the ACA’s Commander’s Leadership Award recognizes AFSOC's outstanding performers from any career field who have made the most significant contributions to mission accomplishment as determined by their respective commander.

"I am proud to have this Pacific Air Commando recognized by the ACA," said Col. William Freeman, 353rd Special Operations Group commander. "He both epitomize what it means to perform to the Air Commando standard and I'm happy his family was able to attend and celebrate with them."

As a current operations training flight chief and Combat Talon II evaluator loadmaster, Wilson facilitated a 2,050 hour flying program while balancing the 19,000 training items for 65 crew members. While deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Wilson led the movement of 262,000 pounds of war materiel and more than 450 personnel that affected 29 combat missions.

During a Presidential-directed hostage rescue mission, Wilson led the delivery of 123,000 pounds of fuel which enables the insertion of a special operations team and the recovery of eight hostages. Back at home station in Japan, Wilson strengthened host nation relationship with Japanese Air Self Defense Force by coordinating a visit between the two nations and working with fellow Japanese C-130 loadmasters.
For both award recipients, they see this award as a reflection of those
around them who provide them with support.

“Receiving this award is truly an honor. Knowing that my Commander and senior leadership have this much confidence and faith in my abilities as a leader means a lot to me. I really believe that leadership isn’t solely based upon a person's abilities, but also reflects the quality of the people they're allowed to lead,” said Wilson. “Receiving this award is a testament to the amazing people I have had the opportunity to work with throughout my career. Without them, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today and certainty would not be receiving this award.”

The Air Commando Association was created in 1969 as an organization for retired and active duty Special Forces personnel to come together and honor all ranks, preserve the Air Commando history and keep the air commando spirit alive. The ACA convention is held annually and a banquet is held to inducted members into the ACA Hall of Fame and award Commander Leadership Awards.