Dover Reserve unit earns Raincross Trophy

Published Nov. 9, 2012
By Master Sgt. Veronica Aceveda

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The 512th Airlift Wing here was named the recipient of the 2011 Raincross Trophy Nov. 7 as part of the 4th Air Force Senior Leaders Conference in Riverside, Calif.

The honor, bestowed by the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, recognizes and celebrates the outstanding accomplishments and commitment of the best wing in 4th AF. The Reserve wing here topped 17 other units for the win.

"The first thing I did was send (Col. Randal L. Bright) a message of congratulations for the hard work and leadership before me," said Col. Raymond A. Kozak, who assumed command of the 512th AW in June.

Upon Kozak's return to Dover AFB, he held an all-call today, where he congratulated members of the wing personally and explained the significance of the Raincross Trophy.

"Being new to 4th Air Force, you might not know the significance and gravity of the award," he said. "It's a big deal, and this is big news."

During his address, he unraveled the meaning behind the name of the award, the Raincross, stating it is the symbol of the city of Riverside, where March Field is located. March Field, which is also known as March Air Reserve Base, is where 4th Air Force is headquartered with its units spanning 16 states, including Hawaii.

"I appreciate him taking the time out to explain it," said Tech. Sgt. Shana Wallace, a wing member who had never heard of the Raincross Trophy before. "Considering the fact the 512th (AW) has only been in 4th Air Force a short amount of time, this award says a lot about what we have done and what we can do."

During the one-year nomination timeframe for the 2011 Raincross Trophy, the 512th AW flew more than 215 missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn; excelled in formal inspections; and received more than 25 major awards ranging from the Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Award to Air Force Reserve Command Financial Management and Comptroller Organization of the Year.

Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson, the chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander of the Air Force Reserve Command served as the keynote speaker at the 14th Annual Raincross Dinner. Jackson has been in command of the AF Reserve for about three months.

"What a great way for General Jackson to get to know the 512th (AW)," said Kozak during his all-call. "He's new on the job, and he sees first-hand how your efforts have won this very prestigious award.

"I congratulate you and thank you very much," said Kozak. "I didn't want to sit on it, so I called you all here, so you can be especially proud of yourselves on this Veterans Day Weekend."