56th FW earns AFOUA for 5th time in 7 years

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Bryan Bouchard
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  For the fifth time in seven years, the Air Force has recognized the efforts of the men and women of the 56th Fighter Wing with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. 

The wing received the award for efforts spanning a time period from July 1, 2007, through June 31, 2008. 

"This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all of our Luke Airmen," said Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 56th FW commander. "The AFOUA is another in a long line of honors in the great heritage of the 56th Fighter Wing." 

Since 1996, Luke has earned seven AFOUAs, which are awarded by the secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. 

"Over the past year, our wing not only trained hundreds of F-16 pilots and maintainers, but deployed hundreds of war-ready Airmen to directly aid the defense of their country in the Global War on Terrorism," the general said in the award nomination. 

For Luke Airmen who served in the wing during the timeframe of the award, they are authorized to wear the AFOUA ribbon. Subsequent receipt of this award will allow Airmen to attach a bronze oak leaf cluster to their existing AFOUA ribbon. 

Personnel officials say it may take four to six weeks for Airmen's records to be updated.