JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Joint Base Andrews' 1st Helicopter Squadron received the 2010 Verne Orr award Sept. 13 at the Air Force Association conference at the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor, Md.
The award, which was co-presented by Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff, and Maj. Gen. Darrell D. Jones, Air Force District of Washington commander, was established by the Air Force Association in honor of Verne Orr, the 14th Secretary of the Air Force. It is awarded annually to the United States Air Force unit making the most effective use of its human resources.
Facing stiff competition from more than 100 other nominees across the Air Force, the 1 HS's exemplary record conducting high priority airlift missions and operating a 24/7 alert mission in the National Capital Region were acknowledged in being receiving this prestigious award.
"I could not be prouder of the men and women of the 1st Helicopter Squadron," said Lt. Col. Robert Meeks, 1 HS Squadron commander. "In an era when we continuously raise the bar to do more, with less-our Airmen raised it higher than any other wing, group, or squadron in the United States Air Force. It was these incredible company grade officers and non commissioned officers who were asked to work harder than ever before, then asked to innovate like never before, then asked to collect the data like never before, so our leadership could advocate like never before," he said. To quote Gen. Schwartz, it was a job 'truly well done.' Two and a half years ago, there was no plan to fix this squadron, but thanks to successive generations of committed leadership at the group, wing and Air Force District of Washington, the 1st Helicopter Squadron's manning was validated, funded and doubled, despite no change in mission. It is a great day to see this generation of 1 HS Airmen recognized as they paid the price today to ensure mission success supporting our nation's capital tomorrow."