The 2007 Raincross Trophy Award was presented to the 445th Airlift Wing at the 10th Annual Raincross Trophy Dinner held at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside, California, on June 11, 2008. Col. Stephen Goeman, 445th Airlift Wing Commander, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Mouser accepted the award on behalf of the wing. Pictured from left to right, Lt. Gen. Jimmy Sherrard (retired), Maj. Gen. Robert Duignan, Commander, 4th Air Force, Col. Stephen Goeman, Commander, 445th Airlift Wing, Command Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Mouser, 445th Airlift Wing, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Patricia Thornton, 4th Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. Kim Allain)

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445th Airlift Wing is in first place in 4th Air Force eyes

Published June 18, 2008
By Mary H. Allen
445th Airlift Wing

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- Members of the 445th Airlift Wing can carry bragging rights as the best wing in 4th Air Force after the wing was awarded the Raincross Trophy, June 11. The announcement was made at a dinner, the culmination of the Fourth Air Force Commander's Conference held at March Air Reserve Base, Calif.

The Raincross Trophy honors the work of the Airman under the 4th Air Force flag. The wing displayed exceptional mission accomplishments, public service, and exceeded command goals throughout 2007.

Some of the wing's accomplishments include aircrew members flying 35 missions transporting 2,826 passengers and 4,328 tons of cargo. The Maintenance Group achieved a home station launch of 83 percent for the C-5 aircraft. The 87th Aerial Port Squadron deployment for OPERATIONAL ENDURING FREEDOM achieving a 98 percent on time departure rate and processing 49,000 passengers and 18,000 short tons of cargo. The Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron recognized as the largest in the Air Force with 22 assigned crews, safely transporting 6400 patients for 960 missions. The wing completed its conversion to the C-5 Galaxy aircraft and proudly dedicated one of its aircraft as the "City of Fairborn".

"There was a very small percentage in points earned from top to bottom this year because everyone is doing a good job," said Maj. Gen. Robert Duignan, 4th Air Force Commander.

Accepting the trophy on behalf of the men and women from the wing was the new 445th Airlift Wing Commander Col. Stephen D. Goeman.

"General Davis (the wing's former commander) told me at the change of command, 'You've got the best damn unit in the Air Force,' and he was correct," Colonel Goeman said.

Providing support for that statement, the 445th Maintenance Group was recently announced the winner of the 4th Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James K. Clouse Trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.

At this earlier event, Colonel Anna M. Schulte, 445th Maintenance Group Commander said, "The men and women here always have the 'can do' attitude, as seen by their record with the C-141's and support of the Global War On Terror, and continue their level of excellence to this date on the C-5."

The keynote speaker for the evening, Lt. Gen. James E. Sherrard III (retired), said that each service has unique needs, but the bottom line is the critical part that each member plays in defense of this great nation. "I'm here tonight to recognize all of you in everything you do. The men and women in your organizations represent the backbone of the Reserve," he said. (Contributions to story by Master Sgt. Linda Welz, 4th Air Force Public Affairs)