MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Units encompassing the entire aviation resource management career field (1 Charlie/1C) across Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, secured the Sergeant Dee Campbell Outstanding Large Unit of the Year award. The award is granted based on contributions to unit initiatives, direct operational support and effective management of unit resources.
“As a team, we really strove to tackle the mission from the shadows. We, as 1C's, strive every day to check currencies and keep the skies safe while being on the sidelines. I can’t find words to explain how hard every Squadron Aviation Resource Managers (SARM) and Host Aviation Resource Managers (HARM) work on the fine details and focus on the mission," said Airman 1st Class Brandon Carpenter, 54th Helicopter Squadron SARM office. “I don’t think we could have gotten this award without being a 1C family and having each other’s backs whenever someone may need you, and that’s what's most important.”
The aviation resource management career field includes members from the 91st Missile Wing (91 MW), Airmen in the 5th Bomb Wing (5 BW), and the 54th Helicopter Squadron (54 HS). From maintaining flight records to validating aircrew safety requirements, these managers make sure everything and everyone is ready to go and where they need to be so missions can be carried out according to plan. These specialists make sure that the missions run as smoothly as possible.
This is the third consecutive year Team Minot has clinched the award. U.S. Air Force Capt. Allyson Wells, 91st Operational Support Staff flight commander, recalled how three consecutive victories highlighted the consistency of Team Minot’s commitment to excellence. Wells emphasized the role of experienced airmen in passing down knowledge to newer members, creating a culture of continuous learning and development within the squadron.
"It's really a testament to the more senior Airmen in the shop,” said Wells. “They've passed down all of their knowledge, which shows they're teaching and developing the new Airmen coming to Minot."
Beyond acknowledging the squadron's accomplishments, Wells emphasized the award serves as motivation for its members reassuring them that their hard work has not been unnoticed.
"It validates what they’re doing here," said Wells. "They have a tough job consistently paying attention to detail, being meticulous; It shows that without them, we can’t do what we do."
In achieving this award, Team Minot’s aviation resource management Airmen have set a standard for the career field. This reemphasizes each unit’s commitment to mission success.