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McConnell team wins Gen. Spaatz Trophy for second year in a row

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Back at it again, the 349th Air Refueling Squadron "Bandits" earned the 2015 Gen. Spaatz Trophy, for being the best air refueling squadron in the Air Mobility Command and going up for the Air Force level award.

The 349th ARS proved their worth by consistently and quickly "refueling the fight" and leading the way by performing under a heavy operations tempo.

"The 349th continually proves there are none better at executing the tanker mission," said Col. Albert Miller, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander.  "This is the second year in a row AMC has recognized the 349th ARS as the best air refueling squadron in the command and I am extremely proud to have the Bandits as part of the 22nd ARW."

This is the fourth time the squadron has earned the accomplishment, earning it in 2008, 2010, then back-to-back in 2014 and 2015.

"I am proud to be a part of an organization that wants to do its absolute best," said Lt. Col. Tad Woolfe, 349th ARS commander. "We know we protect Americans; we enable fire on the enemy and aid to those in need. We do it for our families, our freedoms and for America."

A big reason for the Bandits success is their determination to perform to the best of their abilities.

"One of the things we pride ourselves on is our squadron's standard," said Woolfe. "As Bandits, there is one standard: a minimum of excellence; yet, we aim to outperform."

The perspective and understanding the Bandits have of the mission also inspires them to reach peak performance.

"There are more than 300 million Americans who count on us," said Woolfe. "It's a solemn responsibility doing what we do. In the business we are in, defending our country and people, we cannot come in second."

Woolfe said he believes having emotionally and physically healthy members allows them to excel.

"If someone has a personal challenge or an issue at home they need to address, that needs to be handled first, because if that doesn't happen then we can't execute," said Woolfe. "As long as the Bandit family is taken care of, then the mission will take care of itself. When we have happy families, then the whole Bandit family is happy."

The Bandits recognize that their achievements would not be possible without the reliable work of the rest of Team McConnell.

"This award is a reflection of Team McConnell," said Woolfe. "If there are weak links in another group it will affect our ability to execute. These airplanes don't fly without the support, cooperation, sweat and hard work of all the groups combined to get these planes airborne. The wing itself kicks butt. That is why we are the 'Wing of Choice.'"