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Westover commander, wife nominated for O'Malley Award

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Andrew Biscoe
  • 439th AW Public Affairs
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  The Air Force Reserve Command announced Monday the nomination of Westover's wing commander and his spouse in recognition of their service and dedication to the military.

Command officials notified Col. Steven Vautrain, and his wife, Katie, that they are the command's nominees for the 2013 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award. This annual award recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the nation, Air Force, and local community best exemplify the highest ideals and positive leadership of a military couple in a key Air Force position.

The award citation spotlights the leadership accomplishments of the wing commander and Mrs. Vautrain from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2012:

"The Vautrains' leadership positively impacted the base and local community through a myriad of outreach programs: Key Spouse, Yellow Ribbon, Bosslift, and Teen Leadership Summit. They spearheaded spouse appreciation flights, were guest speakers at various events, and raised funds for disabled veterans."

The award also cited the "national recognition" to Mrs. Vautrain from Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray for her founding of the Holyoke Soldiers' Home Alzheimer's Association partnership program.

Vautrain has commanded the 439th Airlift Wing since August 2011.

"It is an honor to be selected for this award," he said. "Katie and I strive to do what we can to support our personnel at Westover, the local community, and our veterans. It's important, especially in today's economy, that we watch out for each other and do what we can to help our neighbors while ensuring that Westover continues to be a vital part of national security.
This is truly an award for the entire Westover family."

The award's namesake honors a four-star general whose early career included four years spent at Westover. Gen. O'Malley was assigned as aide to the Strategic Air Command's 8th Air Force commander 1960 to 1964. He later served as Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, from 1982 to 1983; Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces from 1983 to 1984; and as Commander, Tactical Air Command from 1984 to 1985. The general and his wife Diane died in an airplane crash in Pennsylvania in April 1985. They were known for their community support activities and care for military families.