Local Air Force reserve squadron earns award Published Jan. 22, 2008 By Maj Ted Theopolos 445th Airlift Wing WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- Medical personnel from the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron can pin on another ribbon. The squadron was one of seventeen in the Air Force Reserve Command to earn the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for 2007. AFRC located at Robbins AFB, Ga., recently announced the award. The 445 AES trains to provide inflight medical care aboard the C-130 Hercules, the C-17 Globemaster and the KC-135 Stratotanker. The medical unit has 22 aeromedical flight crews, making it the largest number of flight medical crews assigned to one squadron in the Air Force. A five-person aeromedical flight crew consists of two flight nurses and three aeromedical technicians. "The 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron has displayed unrivaled support for Aerospace Expeditionary Force cycles in support of the Global War on Terrorism, transporting over six-thousand, four hundred and eighty patients on nine-hundred and sixty global missions," said Col. Allan Gilbar, commander of the 445 AES. "Members participated in two multi-national contingency training events, ensuring the highest levels of wartime medical readiness. Squadron members responded to national disasters, transporting over five-hundred civilian casualties of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita." Colonel Gilbar went on to say, "The men and women of the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron have displayed selfless dedication and hard work, contributing significantly to the accomplishment of the unit's peacetime and wartime missions. I am honored to be the commander of this outstanding unit." Maj. Gen. Allan Poulin, AFRC vice commander stated in a letter to assigned units that members should be extremely proud of their many achievements and contributions resulting in this prestigious award.