Total Force effort leads to 2013 AMC Verne Orr Award win for Team McConnell Published Jan. 9, 2013 By 1st Lt. Zach Anderson 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- A combined effort from the active duty 22nd Operations Support Squadron and the reserve 931st Operations Support Squadron has led to a major command level award for Team McConnell. McConnell AFB was selected as the Air Mobility Command winner for the 2013 Verne Orr Award. The Verne Orr Award was established by the Air Force Association in honor of former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr to recognize mission oriented unit accomplishments and achievements that used personnel to their full potential in order to accomplish the mission. "This award is an example of the effectiveness of utilizing the Total Force to accomplish the mission of the Air Force," said Col. Mark S. Larson, commander of the 931st Air Refueling Group. "The 22nd Air Refueling Wing is an incredibly supportive host unit, and it's through our strong partnership with them that we as an Air Force Reserve tenant unit are able to contribute to achievements like this." The active duty and reserve Operation Support Squadrons here submitted a joint package for the award, highlighting the accomplishments of the total force integration between the 22nd ARW and 931st ARG. "The men and women of Team McConnell's total force have gone above and beyond to set standards and excel on a daily basis," said Col. Ricky Rupp, 22nd ARW commander. The Total Force McConnell OSS awards package will now go forward to compete for the Air Force level award.