An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Grand Forks CGOA recognized as best in Air Force

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Martinez
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Grand Forks Air Force Base Company Grade Officer Association was announced as the CGO Council of the Year, May 5, during the CGOA Professional Development Conference in San Francisco.

The Grand Forks AFB CGOA competed against more than 70 other CGOA councils from around the Air Force to win the award.

"I'm proud that as one of the smallest active-duty bases in the Air Force, our CGOs were able to carry this United States Air Force-level annual award," said Capt. Ian Holzhauer, 319th Air Refueling Wing Judge Advocate and president of the CGOA.

The CGOA fundraised more than $19,000 during the award year. Nearly $3,000 of the funds raised went to charity. The funds also went into the successful planning and execution of the 319th ARW Post-Operations Readiness Inspection Extravaganza.

"We had, and continue to have, some great leadership and many people stepped up when it really mattered to take on big tasks," said Capt. Anna Rehder, 319th ARW/JA and member of the CGOA.

The CGOA also volunteered more than 70 hours at the Northlands Rescue Mission, ensuring hundreds were fed. They also helped served Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinners to the homeless as well.

Not only were the CGOA active in the local community, they were active in the aspiring military community too. The CGOA briefed approximately 90 Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets on the commitment to Air Force values and officership. The CGOA also helped recruit Airmen to score and judge local Junior ROTC drill competition with nine high schools participating.

"It's nice to see that those efforts didn't go unnoticed," said Captain Rehder.

Over the next year, the CGOA plans on continuing their monthly trips to the Northlands Rescue Mission to provide meals to the homeless and plan the 2010 Air Force Ball.

"We may not be large in numbers, but our CGOs lead the way over this past year," said Captain Holzhauer.