349th ARS awarded 2014 Spaatz trophy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Bandits are usually thought of as criminals causing trouble, but the Bandits at the 349th Air Refueling Squadron are dedicated to refueling military aircraft assisting men and women with boots on the ground.

The hard work of these "Bandits" earned them the 2014 Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Trophy for being the best air refueling squadron in Air Mobility Command.

"It is truly humbling to receive this recognition," said Lt. Col. Tad Woolfe, 349th ARS commander. "Across Team McConnell, we have sister squadrons with tremendous talents, who demonstrate a high level of performance every day and helped push us. Bandits go in guns blazing everday, for our families, freedoms, for America."

This award is a representation of the hardwork of the 349th ARS Airmen during the period of Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2014.

"During this time, the dedicated Airmen of the 349th ARS operated as the 18th AF's top nuclear enterprise unit by leading seven nuclear operational readiness exercises accessments and inspections," said Scott Sena, 349th ARS executive officer.

Additionally, they flew over 2,600 combat missions and directed the success of over 4,300 missions in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.