TRAVIS AFB, Calif. -- The 349th Mission Support Group stationed at Travis was awarded the Campbell Mission Support Group Excellence Award 2021 during the 22nd Annual Raincross event held February 9, 2022, at March Air Reserve Base, California.
The 349th MSG was recognized for their drive and ambition displayed in maintaining and accelerating mission impact in various campaigns.
“I am so proud of all the work and tenacity shown by the Mission Support Group members over this past year,” said Col. Gia M. Wilson-Mackey, commander of 349th MSG.
The award was created in memory of Tech. Sgt. Anthony C. Campbell, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of his country while steering his team clear of an improvised explosive device in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan on December 15, 2009.
Wilson-Mackey added, “It is humbling to accept this award on behalf of the Mission Support Group members.”
Strategic depth and readiness earned the 349th MSG the award. The group effectively demonstrated it could sustained combat-ready forces during Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL and Exercise NEXUS DAWN. The 349th MSG helped deploy over 350 reservists with another 270 personnel transported in addition to $26 million of Air Force assets.
Another major accomplishment for the 349th MSG was implementing COVID-19 mitigation strategies. The 349th Security Forces Squadron overcame limitations during weapons qualification training by developing a safe academic environment that ensured 887 Airmen completed initial and refresher qualification training with a 99% pass rate.
During Exercise SENTRY ALOHA 2021, the 349th MSG led ramp operations and synced efforts implementing a total force approach with joint service partners. The result was a successful load of three flights consisting of 138,000 pounds of cargo, including 106 personnel. The support helped provide air-to-air combat activity for Pacific Command.
Behind the scenes, the group’s personnelists displayed dedication to their mission by caring for the team’s Airmen with speed and accuracy. Altogether, they processed nearly 800 administrative actions and reduced backlog by a whopping 70%.
The 349th Logistics Readiness Squadron launched the operation of the only blood transshipment center. A total of nearly 500 sorties were flown to 72 forward operating locations to expedite delivery of 52,000 units to be used for emergency medical treatment joint and coalition servicemembers.
Base boundaries did not stop the MSG Airmen from continuously giving back to their local communities, especially to those in need. Taking the lead in several nonprofit initiatives for residents of Northern California, Airmen partnered with local community leaders to distribute food supplies, school items and Christmas gifts to 280 families. They also assisted in locating safe housing for another 15 families.
“The commitment of the members of the 349th MSG to the Air Force and to their community shows in all they do,” said Wilson-Mackey. “This recognition is well deserved.”
The Raincross Award ceremony is held annually to celebrate the excellent work and commitment of Fourth Air Force’s 16 wings and one group.