Best and brightest recognized at annual awards banquet

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jonathan Hehnly
  • 911th Public Affairs
PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, Pa. --  "Tonight we come together to recognize those Airmen who set themselves apart because of their extraordinary commitment to excellence in the way that they go out and do the mission every day," said Col. Jeffrey A. Van Dootingh, 911th Airlift Wing commander. "It is only right that we celebrate this with friends, family and community guests."

In celebration of those men and women, the 911th AW held its annual awards banquet at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport hotel, March 7, 2015.

The evening's dinner and award ceremony brought more than 450 attendees together, selling out days prior to the annual event. The venue was filled to capacity with Airmen, civilian employees, family members, and other distinguished guests.

The guest speaker for the evening was retired Capt. William A. Robinson, the longest held enlisted prisoner of war in U.S. military history. He shared his story and spoke about the value of honor, dignity, and duty. Robinson encouraged members to always maintain optimism and faith in themselves, those around them and in the nation.

"I know I am in a room full of winners; the best of the best," said Robinson. "No one goes away without knowing that they did the best for the unit, the Air Force, and for the United States of America."

Robinson's speech was followed by the awards portion of the evening, which recognized the 911th AW's best of the best. Airmen and civilian employees alike were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the wing, the Air Force, and the nation.

"It is important for any organization to recognize excellence," said Col. Douglas N. Strawbridge, 911th AW vice commander. "A lot of hard work goes into winning those awards and it is great for our team to see their excellence recognized."

Awards were given out to the outstanding performers on the wing, group, and squadron level. Prior award winners on the Air Force and major command level were also recognized for their significant achievements throughout the year.

Almost 20 select Airmen were presented with individual unit awards, many of which were named in honor of past outstanding members. The last presentations of the night were the coveted civilian and military member of the year awards.

"We often recognize awards throughout the year at commander's calls and such, but there's nothing like getting dressed up, socializing with people you've been meaning to see outside of work, and celebrating with your loved ones," said Col. Strawbridge. "It was a great way for me to spend the first day of my first unit training assembly with the 911th."