The Year of Recognition

  • Published
  • By Ellen McNair
  • 133rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

St. Paul, Minnesota- U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 133rd Airlift Wing gathered in St. Paul, Minn., Dec. 9, 2017 to recognize yearly accomplishments at the annual wing award ceremony.

 

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar addressed the nearly 800 guests and praised the airmen for answering their nation’s call to serve.

 

“The 133rd has served an important role, defending the American way of life and fighting to advance the cause of freedom around the world,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “No one better represents unquestionable courage and commitment to our country than the airmen of the 133rd.”

 

The award ceremony gave praise to airmen who have gone above and beyond what was asked of them in the past year. The 133rd Airlift Wing Outstanding Airman of 2017 include:

  • Airman of the Year, Senior Airman Andrea Allen, 109th Airlift Squadron

  • NCO of the Year, Tech Sgt. Michael Swenson, 109th Airlift Squadron

  • Senior NCO of the Year, Master Sgt. Christopher Mielke, 133rd Security Forces Squadron,

  • First Sergeant of the Year, Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Fenton, 133rd Operations Group and Airlift Wing Headquarters

  • Company Grade Officer of the Year, Captain Brian Tripp, 133rd Operations Group

Col. Daniel Gabrielli, 133rd Airlift Wing Commander, recognized the multiple deployments by members of the wing, including hurricanes in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

 

“During the 15 days in St. Thomas, the 133rd Airlift Control Flight (ALCF), load teams and security forces supported 390 aircraft movements, of which 280 were unscheduled rotary wing and civil aircrafts of various types. They moved 4 million pounds of cargo and 1,713 passengers,” Gabrielli continued his praise. “The 133rd ALCF package served as the Senior Airport Authority – they ran the place. They ran the major airport on that island.”

 

Following the award ceremony, airmen had the opportunity to receive donated toys and visit with other members of the wing.