Photo By David Lipp | Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, the North Dakota adjutant general, right, admires a Air...... read more read more
FARGO, N.D. — It’s another one for the record books, the North Dakota Air National Guard, also known as the Happy Hooligans, once again received the prestigious Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. It may seem routine, but make no mistake, this award is anything but ordinary. The Happy Hooligans is one of only two units in the entire nation to receive this impressive award 16 times; with most units claiming the OUA only three to five times.
On Saturday, during the award ceremony, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general and Col. Kent Olson, 119th Wing commander, congratulated the Happy Hooligans and family members during the unit’s Family Day event. During the ceremony, Sprynczynatyk attached the OUA streamer to the unit flag for the 16th time and addressed the unit and family members in attendance.
“I congratulate the Wing, every group and every squadron for what you have done to make this happen. It's been pointed out that there is another unit that has also been the recipient of the award 16 times, but a huge difference is that they have always followed under an Air Mobility Command with strictly a mobility mission. Here at the 119th Wing, this recognition falls upon a unit that has literally served and is serving in Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Global Strike Command. When you think about the transformation through the years, what this Wing and Airmen of the Wing have accomplished is absolutely incredible,” said Sprynczynatyk.
The award distinguished the North Dakota Air National Guard for meritorious service from October 2012 through September 2013. During this time, the Wing deployed 107 Airmen supporting the Global War on Terrorism and Homeland Defense for the state of North Dakota, all through 100% volunteerism. In addition, while faced with uncertain aircraft conversion-related issues, the 119th Wing maintained a 92% retention and reenlistment rate, exceeding national level goals.
“This is an accomplishment that resides on the shoulders of each Airman in this Wing and it makes me so proud to be your commander. I can't thank you enough for the things you have done. With all the turmoil this Wing has gone through in the last few years, to be a recipient of this award is nothing short of amazing,” said Olson.
The award recognized the extraordinary level of commitment and performance by the Security Forces Squadron and other Wing members who volunteered for high-risk deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, leading 20,000 combat missions in theater. The individuals of the Civil Engineer Squadron were commended for their humanitarian efforts in Latvia, and the 219th Security Forces Squadron was recognized for their superb accomplishments in Minot, N.D. The Happy Hooligans were also praised for their amazing flying record which includes over 40 years and 255,810 hours of accident-free flying.
In his final remarks, Sprynczynatyk stressed the importance and incredible support of family members and employers of the Airmen in the North Dakota Air National Guard. Without their dedication, an award such as this would not be possible.
“To all of the family members and employers, you're as much a recipient and someone to be recognized as the Airman. It is because of the tremendous support of our families and employers, our units at the Wing are able to successfully carry on the missions…the Airmen and family members of the 119th Wing comprise what is literally the best of the best when it comes to Air National Guard units anywhere in this country. Thank you for your service, thank you for what you do, I am extremely proud of all of you,” he concluded.
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.15.2014 12:50 |
| Story ID: | 142185 |
| Location: | FARGO, ND, US |
| Web Views: | 311 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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