FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFA Salutes Air National Guard and Employers

August 2007

Arlington, Virginia – The Air National Guard and Employers of guardsmen will receive Air Force Association awards on September 24, 2007 at the Air & Space Conference 2007 Opening and Awards Ceremonies in Washington, D.C.

A traditional Air National Guards officer and enlisted member and their civilian employers will be honored for their patriotism with the Air National Guard George W. Bush Award.

Captain Andrew F. Bennett, Liason Officer, Florida Air National Guard, and his civilian employer, Advanced C4 Solutions, Inc., Tampa, Fla., represented by the Vice President, Mr. Norman J. Abdallah, will be recognized. Captain Bennett served as Troop Commander for deployment of 18 Guardsmen to four forward deployed locations and one forward headquarters. Additionally, he directed trouble-shooting of critical systems at classified locations in Baghdad, Iraq, resulting in 100% communications and increased redundancy reliability. His employer directly aided Captain Bennett’s family in preparing for deployment by providing time and advice. This employer made it a corporate policy to ensure military members are supported above and beyond federal regulations.

Master Sergeant Alice Sischo, First Sergeant, 115th Mission Support Group, Wisconsin Air National Guard, and her civilian employer, Kwik Trip Inc., La Crosse, WI, will also receive the G.W. Bush Award. Kwik Trip store 313 covered shifts for Sergeant Sischo with part time co-workers, maintained her benefits, sent care packages to Kuwait containing home town goodies and sponsored events to benefit the Army Family.

Each G.W. Bush Award recipient will receive a $500 AFA check and plaque, made possible by contributions from William W. Spruance. The Air National Guard also provides a Minute Man statue to the guardsmen and framed painted pictures to the employers.

Additional Air National Guard awards scheduled for presentation include the Earl T. Ricks Award to The Crew of Jolly 92, 129th Rescue Squadron, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, and the Airborne Battle Management Crew Award will go to the 12th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, Combat Crew 3, Georgia Air National Guard. This crew is a blend of active duty, Air National Guard, and Army personnel. The 114th Fighter Wing, South Dakota ANG will receive the Air National Guard Outstanding Unit Award.

The Dick Red Award will be presented to Chief Master Sergeant Terry M. Allen, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Superintendent, 175th Fighter Wing, Maryland Air National Guard in August at a local ceremony on his base.

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For more information, contact Lynette Cross, Air Force Association at (703) 247.5800, Ext 4807 or email: lcross@afa.org.

The Air Force Association (AFA) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that educates the public about the critical role of aerospace power in the defense of our nation, advocates aerospace power and a strong national defense, and supports the United States Air Force and the Air Force family. AFA has more than 230 chapters nationally and internationally representing more than 130,000 members. Visit AFA on the internet at www.afa.org.