Elmendorf presented CINC Installation Excellence Award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt Brian Ferguson and Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
WASHINGTON --  Forty-six of Elmendorf 's premier Arctic Warriors traveled to the Pentagon to accept the 2010 Commander-in-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence May 5.

The award identifies the top installation of each service in the military. It shows that personnel at the installation have done the best job to complete the mission with what resources are available, and is coming up with better initiatives to enhance the quality of life for the Airmen that reside there.

"The men and women of Elmendorf Air Force Base are incredibly proud to receive this prestigious award," said Col. Thomas Bergeson, 3rd Wing commander. "We could not have won this without the outstanding support we receive from PACAF headquarters, our major tenant units and the great Alaskan community. This award reflects the superb efforts of almost 6,000 Arctic Warrior Airmen and our total force integration partners from the Alaska Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. Together we Fly, Fight and Win!"

The representatives from Elmendorf included active, guard and reserve Airmen, as well as Air Force civilians, dependents, honorary commanders and a Canadian Air Force captain.

Colonel Bergeson and seven representatives were on stage to accept a crystal trophy, flag and letter of congratulations from President Barrack Obama.

Airman 1st Class Sean Hendricks of the 3rd Communications Squadron was one of the seven on stage.

"It was great to get up there with our leadership and my fellow Airmen to represent Elmendorf AFB," said Airman Hendricks.

During the week, the Arctic Warriors were treated to tours of the capital, Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Air Force Memorial, Holocaust museum and Arlington National Cemetery.

This is my first time in Washington D.C.," said Airman Hendricks. "The Holocaust Museum was an eye opener, but representing Elmendorf was the highlight of my trip"

Elmendorf also received a $1 million check and citation during an Air Force awards ceremony at the Pentagon May 4. The money is to be used to fund quality of life programs.

"It was an inspiring, humbling and reinvigorating day," said Colonel Bergeson. "During our tour of D.C. we experienced the full range of emotions, sadness, elation and determination. A determination to continue our tradition of excellence and carry on our legacy of valor. Because what we do as American Airmen matters in the world. We are the defenders of freedom. Many have sacrificed before, and now is our time. I wish all of you could have been there, this is your award and I am extremely proud of your accomplishment! Well done Arctic Warriors, well done."

Some of the key reasons for Elmendorf winning this year's CINC included Elmendorf's impressive work environments, including flawless no-notice aircraft evacuation and the sustainment of Elmendorf's combat alert mission during 19 eruptions of Mount Redoubt.

Other accomplishments included the new Fit to Fight Cross Country Ski Program and the 3rd Medical Groups sleep disorder clinic which has currently completed 414 studies saving the government $1.6 million in seven months.

The last time Elmendorf was honored with this award was in 1994.

Winners from the other services included Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C., Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms in Twentynine Palms, Calif., Naval Base San Diego in San Diego and the Defense Distribution Depot Susquehanna in New Cumberland, Pa.