185th Awarded 8th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

Sioux City, Iowa -- The National Guard Bureau in Washington DC announced that the 185th Air Refueling Wing from Sioux City, Iowa has, for the 8th time, been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious service  from November 1, 2013 to October 31, 2015.

According to Col. Larry Christensen, commander of the 185th ARW this award is a reflection of the hard work members of the 185th do every day.

"We have the privilege of living in a great community where our members have a strong work ethic. We know we have an outstanding unit, but it is nice to have that validated by the National Guard Bureau," said Christensen.

The wing, comprised of 956 part time and full time members, flies nine KC-135R air refueling aircraft and is comprised of numerous support elements.

The wing's main mission is to provide mid-air refueling and mobility sustainment in support of the global mission of the Air Force.

The wing is also tasked to support the state of Iowa in the event of a state emergency, while providing humanitarian, and national disaster response.

"We would not be able to do this without the support of our employers. I take great pride in serving Siouxland and cannot thank the community enough for their support," said Christensen.

According to the Outstanding Unit Award citation, the 185th has continued to regularly provide mission capable aircraft and Airmen for deployments around the world, for both operational and mission support contingency operations.

The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award is given to units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from other Air National Guard units.