Knucklebuster awards recognize Travis’ maintainers

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Donald Osborn
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 60th and 349th Maintenance Groups hosted their third annual Knucklebuster awards ceremony March 9.

The Knucklebuster awards are maintenance-specific awards, given to individuals who are selected by their peers as the "best of the best." The awards ceremony held this year gave out two Chief Master Sgt. Thomas N. Barnes Crew Chief of the Year awards, as well as 21 other awards to individuals who are at the top of their game when it comes to maintaining Travis' aircraft.

"My maintainers work far from the glamour and glory where their sacrifices and efforts often go unnoticed. This award is very special because it comes from the people they work with every day," said Col. Craig O'Neal, 60th Maintenance Group commander. "To be chosen by their peers as the best of the best is a great accomplishment, and I am proud of every one of our Knucklebusters."

Colonel O'Neal's thoughts were shared by a special guest who attended the awards ceremony.

"It's a great opportunity for us to recognize the best of our best," said Brig. Gen. Robert McMahon, Director of Logistics, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. "It underscores how well our aircraft maintainers have been doing."

General McMahon also stated that it was as equally important to recognize the great leadership within the 60th and 349th MXGs for taking the time to nominate these outstanding men and women despite the high operations tempo.

"It's great to have very talented people who are doing exceptional things," General McMahon said. "But it is also equally important to have a leadership team who takes time to recognize them for their achievements."

General McMahon also mentioned some of the 60th and 349th MXGs accomplishments, citing specifically the millions of pounds of fuel and cargo delivered worldwide, and also bringing on the C-17 Globemaster III so there are three different weapons systems being supported by the group.

"[Travis] is the only base in AMC where these things are taking place at this level," he said. "It's important when you look at what the entire group has accomplished this year, and last year, in terms of support for the Global War on Terrorism."

Colonel O'Neal stated that he would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the accomplishments of everyone in the groups for the job they do.

"All the maintainers under my command are the best in the Air Force in my book, and I can always count on them to get the job done -- anytime and anywhere," said Colonel O'Neal. "So, in essence, these awards are not only an avenue for us to celebrate their accomplishments, but also a way for us to give special 'thanks' for what they do each and every day for this group, the wing and their country."

"In a broad sense, it was simply a celebration of the remarkable work that our aircraft maintainers in 60th and 349th Air Mobility Wings have achieved as a team," General McMahon added. "And that's really an important quality, to do it as a team."