56th CES takes AETC awards Published Nov. 19, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Melanie Iannaggi 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 56th Civil Engineering Squadron and Luke Air Force base won six out of ten Air and Education Training Command awards this year. And, they were the runner-up for the other four awards. Lt. Col. John Thomas, 56th CES commander, is extremely proud of his squadron. "The awards represent the hard work and commitment to excellence that our Dragon Slayers do on a daily basis," he said. "It's great that each member of the squadron is being recognized for their contributions to make Luke a better place to live and work." The next step is competing for Air Force-level awards, Colonel Thomas said. And, he anticipates Luke CES to win a few of them. The 56th CES received the following awards: Air Force Outstanding Civil Engineer Unit, small unit category Maj. Gen. Robert C. Thompson Award: Resources Flight Maj. Gen. Clifton D. Wright Award: Operations Flight Senior Master Sgt. Gerald J. Stryzak Award: Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight Gen. Thomas D. White Cultural Resources Management Award: Luke Air Force Base Chief Master Sgt. Larry R. Daniels Award Military superintendent: Master Sgt. Jeremy Unterseher, 56th CES EOD craftsman Maj. Gen. Eugene A. Lupia Award Airman: Senior Airman Lawrence Miller, 56th CES EOD apprentice