U.S. Air Force announces 2019 Safety Awards

"The Air Force is steadfast in its efforts to maintain safe operations across the service. Nevertheless, the accomplishments of these Airmen and units certainly stood out in 2019," Rauch said. "Effective risk management and mishap prevention are key components of the Air Force Safety Program, but the real impact comes when leadership and Airmen at all levels commit to integrating safety into the daily plans, operations and training throughout the force."

Air Force safety awards recognize outstanding safety acts, achievements and sustained performance of individuals, teams and units for their efforts in mishap prevention.

The Air Force Safety Award winners are:

Secretary of the Air Force Safety Award:

Air Mobility Command (AMC)

Major General Benjamin D. Foulois Memorial Award:

Air Mobility Command (AMC)

Colonel Will L. Tubbs Memorial Award for Ground Safety:

United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa (USAFE/AFAFRICA)

Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy:

Capt. Justin W. Sager, 33rd Flying Training Squadron, Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma (AETC)

Chief of Staff of the Air Force Aircrew of Distinction Award:

Crew of Blade 11, 582d Helicopter Group, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming (AFGSC)

Air Force Chief of Safety Special Achievement Award:

Tyndall Air Force Base Support Agency Team, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida (ACC)

Safety Civilian Professional of the Year Award:

Mr. Alex Vega, 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California (AFSPC)

Safety Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award:

Senior Master Sgt Jacob Q. Kurtz, 480th ISR Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia (ACC)

Safety Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award:

Tech. Sgt Charles A. Ladnier, 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida (AFSPC)

Safety Officer of the Year Award:

Maj. Daniel L.T. Garrison, 582d Helicopter Group, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming (AFGSC)

Air Force Chief of Safety Aviation Maintenance Safety Award:

52nd Maintenance Squadron Propulsion Flight, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany (USAFE/AFAFRICA)

Air Force Chief of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award for Occupational Safety Category I:

21st Space Wing, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado (AFSPC)

Air Force Chief of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award for Occupational Safety Category II:

31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy (USAFE/AFAFRICA)

Air Force Chief of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award for Occupational Safety Category III:

39th Air Base Wing, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey (USAFE/AFAFRICA)

Air Force Chief of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award for Occupational Safety Category IV:

728th Air Mobility Squadron, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey (AMC)

Air Force Chief of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award for Occupational Safety Category V:

Air Force Research Lab Detachment 8, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico (AFMC)

Air Force Chief of Safety Outstanding Achievement Award for Weapons Safety:

Master Sgt. Victoria L. Yale, 379th Air Base Wing, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar (USAFCENT)

Air Force Nuclear Surety Outstanding Achievement Award:

90th Missile Wing, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming (AFGSC)

Air Force Chief of Safety Space Safety Award:

30th Space Wing, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California (AFSPC)

Aero Club Safety Certificates:

Robins Aero Club, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia (AFMC)

Eglin Aero Club, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida (AFMC)