312th AS crew lauded at AFA with Outstanding Reserve Aircrew Award, the President's Award, 2013

  • Published
  • By 349th Air Mobility Wing
  • Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Air Force Association (AFA) presented the 2013 Outstanding Reserve Aircrew Award, the President's Award, to the 312th Airlift Squadron, at the 2014 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15 in Washington, D.C.

The 312th AS aircrew displayed outstanding ability and professionalism by overcoming multiple system emergencies while flying Air Mobility Command missions between Rota Spain and Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, last year.  The crew's efforts ensure the safe and timely deployment of the 1st Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade, and the redeployment the 3rd Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade.  In one particularly challenging emergency, the crew made an expedient, in-flight repair to a separated bleed duct caused by the explosion of an emergency escape slide pressure bottle.  The crew's quick thinking saved the airplane and ensuring on-time delivery of vital combat cargo.

Congratulations go out to:

Lt. Col. Todd D. Hegy, Aircraft Commander
Capt. Peter J. Calabretta, Pilot
Capt. Matthew P. Anger, Co-Pilot
Master Sgt. Steven E. Hatfield, Flight Engineer
Master Sgt. Curt E. Vogel, Flight Engineer Senior
Senior Master Sgt. Bryan T. Bunce, Loadmaster Senior
Senior Master Sgt. Dianne L. Valdez, Loadmaster
Technical Sgt. Richard Bline, Loadmaster

The AFA gives this award to the Air Force Reserve unit which displays outstanding flying achievement and continued superior performance.