FORBES FIELD ANGB, Topeka, Kan. -- During January Commander's Call, Brig. Gen. Ed McIlhenny announced that the 190th had been selected as the Air Force Outstanding Unit for 2006. The announcement was prefaced by reprimanding members who were "out of uniform," because they were not wearing the outstanding unit ribbons; all members are now authorized to wear it.
This is the fourth time that the 190th has been selected as the outstanding unit; other years include 1978, 1984, and 2000.
"You've been all over the world and done your mission well," McIllhenny said. "You've done an outstanding job and that is what this award represents."
Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas Adjutant General, gave a sterling recommendation in his memorandum that accompanied the award application. "I am proud to extend my heartiest endorsement for the 190th Air Refueling Wing's nomination for the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. They are truly the 'Standard of Excellence!'" Reasons for his endorsement include the 190th's safety record, mission capable rates, efficiency and the additional taskings it has taken.
Unit historian Master Sgt. Bill Gilliland believes that the 190th has a rich history, especially compared to other guard units, "We may not have as long a history, but the successes we've won stack up against anybody."
He points to 1983 is a perfect example when the 190th won the Sanders Trophy, the Spaatz Trophy, and scored all excellents or outsandings on the year's ORI inspection.
The award is auspicious since it was received on the unit's 50th anniversary. "If you have pride in your past it gives you something to shoot for," said Gilliland.