Salt Lake Military Affairs honors Utah’s reservists and guardsmen

  • Published
  • By Bryan Magaña
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SALT LAKE CITY --  Two members of the 419th Fighter Wing were honored as outstanding Citizen Airman during the Military Salute Banquet in Salt Lake City June 2.

The Salt Lake Chamber Military Affairs Committee hosts the event annually to shine the spotlight on Utah's reservists and guardsmen, and also to promote an understanding between military members and the community in which they serve.

Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner, Jr., Chief of Air Force Reserve and Commander of Air Force Reserve Command, served as keynote speaker at the banquet, which was tied to Salt Lake City's Air Force Week.

General Stenner, who served as 419th Operations Group commander from 1994 to 1995, applauded the efforts of the Utah's men and women in uniform as they balance their civilian career, family and duty to their country.

This "Reserve Triad," he noted, is "the three-legged stool that has to stand tall, and none of those legs can be kicked out from underneath, or the whole thing falls down. All of those have to be balanced."

He also noted the outstanding support reservists receive from their civilian employers.

"Employer support of the Guard and Reserve has never been stronger," the general said. "There is a community relationship, there is a bond that makes this work."

General Stenner said that military members in Utah throughout all branches of service have "a great, supportive community," as well as a strong relationship with business leaders and elected officials.

From the 419th FW, the Chamber recognized Lt. Col. Chris Morgan for his role as Director of Operations for both the 419th Operations Support Flight and the active duty 388th Fighter Wing's Operations Support Squadron.

Colonel Morgan was the first reservist to direct the operation of an active unit in the Total Force Integration construct. He helped the 388th OSS earn the group's Squadron of the Quarter three out of four quarters in 2008, and eventually Squadron of the Year.

"He embodies excellence is all he does," said Lt. Col. Tyler Otten, 419th OSF commander. "When he speaks, leadership from both wings listens."

Colonel Otten credits Colonel Morgan with developing a restructured flying hour program for both fighter wings that helped save $2 million, as well as paving the way for future TFI efforts in the fighter community.

Also honored at the banquet was Senior Airman Lance Cressall, fire team member in the 419th Security Forces Squadron.

Airman Cressall voluntarily deployed to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he served as a security forces mobile fire team member to seven indirect fire incidents, enhancing the force protection of the base's mission capabilities. He was recently named the wing's Airman of the Year for 2008.

Lt. Col. Susan Crum, 419th SFS commander, describes Airman Cressall as mature and motivated.

"He's the kind of guy we look to as an example of future of leadership," she said. "If he were commissioned, he'd make a great lieutenant. He's concerned about his fellow Airmen up and down the chain of command."

The Chamber also recognized two members from each of the services throughout Utah.

Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, thanked reservists and guardsmen for their sacrifices.

"These men and women train, prepare and stand ready to serve when their nation stands in need," she said. "To all the men and women in uniform who so courageously sacrifice of themselves for all of us, please accept the honors and festivities this evening as but a small token of our gratitude."