Bandits 'seize' AMC refueling prize again

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Bernal Del Agua
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  They might be "Bandits," but there was no stealing involved, instead they earned their trophy by excelling and performing the highest standard.

The 349th Air Refueling Squadron received the 2014 Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Trophy at the Air Mobility Command level and will go on to compete at the Air Force level.

The Spaatz Trophy recognizes the best of the best in aerial refueling in the Air Force, with the "Bandits" representing AMC for 2014.

"We have a standard that sets excellence as our bare minimum," said Lt. Col. Tad Woolfe, 349th Air Refueling Squadron commander. "We expect more from ourselves than others think is possible. The Bandits in 2014 showed up ready to give 100 percent day in and day out."

The 349th ARS has been awarded the Spaatz Trophy for the third time in seven years, continuing their tradition of excellence.

"The Airmen of the 349th ARS are a shining example of how a tight-knit, well-run squadron should function, and being recognized at the AMC level just proves they are among the best in the Air Force," said Col. Albert Miller, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "I'm confident they will shine at the next level and prove the Bandits truly are exceptional."

Even though only the 349th ARS received the trophy, Woolfe said it took a whole team effort for his squadron to shine bright.

"Every Bandit knows we are not alone in this award," said Woolfe. "Yes, we get the recognition as the air refueling squadron that flew the missions and received the trophy, but we couldn't have done it without the support of the maintenance, mission support, and medical group or the whole base. This is an award for Team McConnell to be proud of."

According to Woolfe, the work is not over for the "Bandits" yet. They will keep striving to be the best squadron every year.

"Knowing [that we won] early on in 2015 makes everyone walk around with a sense of pride and a sense of mission accomplishment," said Woolfe. "We want to continue to perform at a high level that makes us worthy of being recognized in back-to-back years."