Wing commander addresses Reservists

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Leslie Forshaw
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  
Rescue Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing assembled Sunday of their December Unit Training Assembly for a commander's call that served as an awards ceremony and a recap of their readiness inspection preparations throughout 2012.

Col. Jeffrey Macrander, 920th RQW commander, awarded Meritorious Service Medals to Maj. Ralph Cosme and Capt. James Grant, both from the 920th RQW Aeromedical Staging Squadron, for their actions while deployed downrange.

Macrander also named the winners of Airmen of the Quarter for the 3rd and 4th quarters:

Third quarter award winners: Airman 1st Class Jose Velez, 920th RQW Force Support Squadron; Tech. Sgt. Robert Hutchison, 943rd Rescue Group; Master Sgt. Sean McBride, 943rd RQG.

Fourth quarter award winners: Senior Airman James Poitier, 920th RQW Maintenance Group; Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Cope, 920th RQW Maintenance Group. Company Grade Officer of the Quarter: Capt. Paul Carpenter, 301st Rescue Squadron.

Getting down to business, Macrander emphasized what it meant to be ready for the upcoming Readiness Inspection in April 2013 and the inspection milestones over the past year.

"I need you to be ready. Ready to do our primary job - combat search and rescue," said Macrander.

For wing Airmen, it includes having all of their readiness training up-to-date and being medically ready to deploy. All immunizations; physical fitness testing and physical exams must be current.

The 920th RQW Force Support Squadron Airmen test up to 200 Reservists on their physical fitness levels during the UTA, he said.

Also, the base Gym will now be open early enough on UTA weekends for the Rescue Reservists to get a workout in before the start of the busy day.

While one must be physically fit, Macrander stressed the importance of being mentally fit as well.

"Suicide rates are rising across the Army and Navy," said Macrander. "We must be Wingman to each other."

We must take care of each other, watch out for each other and listen to each other, he said.

Overall, Macrander made it clear he was proud of all members of the Wing and their hard work participating in the Readiness Exercises throughout the year, but to also keep their game-face on for the April Readiness Inspection.

For more information on the 920th RQW check out the website and "like" their facebook page.