AMC names McConnell AFB CINC IEA nominee

  • Published
  • By Ashley Wright
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Air Mobility Command announced McConnell Air Force Base as the command's nominee for the 2015 Commander-in-Chief's Installation Excellence Award Oct. 22.

"As always, this year's competition was extremely tight and I am proud of the accomplishments at every AMC installation," said Gen. Darren W. McDew, AMC commander. "It's clear our Airmen are committed to enhancing mission capabilities and productivity through innovation and teamwork.  Thank you for your leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence."

The CINC IEA recognizes outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations who have done the best with their resources to support the mission. The award encourages environments that promote innovative and creative ways of enhancing base-level services, facilities and quality-of-life.

The work done by the Airmen of Team McConnell catapulted the base to top of the command, beating out all other AMC bases. The base's relationship with its neighbors in Sedgwick County was also taken into account.

"I want our active duty, guard, reserve and civilian Airmen along with their spouses and family members, Golden Eagles, civic leaders, and honorary commanders to know that McConnell would not be competitive for, let alone win, this award, if it were not for your hard work and dedication to the mission.  Now we are being recognized at a level equal to your effort and commitment," said Col. Joel Jackson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "I don't think you know just how proud I am of you. Thank you for all your hard work."

The next level of competition will be at the Headquarters Air Force level.  McConnell will look to be named the "best of the best" out of a total of 166 other service installations. Finding ways to take care of Airmen and their families during the fiscally constrained times.

Team McConnell was a finalist at the Air Force level in 2013, but lost to Keesler AFB, Miss.  This is the second time McConnell has been nominated in the last three years.