McConnell Navigator earns 2015 Gen Robert "Dutch" Huyser Award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  A 344th Air Refueling Squadron navigator was selected for the Air Mobility Command 2015 Gen. Robert "Dutch" Huyser Award in the navigator category.

Second Lt. Joseph Ross Wiginton earned the award for his outstanding attitude combined with an expertise in every task he is given, said Lt. Col. Aaron Larose, 344th ARS commander.

"He definitely accrued a lot of achievements over the last year, and it all ties into how well he executes the mission and performs his primary duty," said Larose. "When he was deployed he was involved in many special ops missions that we conducted down range and was awarded special operations air refueling crew of the month and mission navigator of the quarter."

Wiginton credits his success to many people that have influenced his skills, from instructors to squadron leaders, and he is honored to even be considered amongst his peers for the award.

"The award isn't just for me, it's for the people around me, my instructor navigators and pilots," said Ross. "I feel really blessed for all the training the Air Force has given me."

Wiginton is inspired by Air Force legends like Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, Col. Richard Bundy, Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold and Gen. Billy Mitchell, as well as the Airmen around his squadron, and he tries to live up to their legacy by trying his best at everything he does day-in and day-out.

"We take pride in it as a squadron that he has achieved this award because so many people have supported him," said Larose. "He is flying as part of an aircrew and that aircrew is essential for the success of each and every mission they perform."