153rd Airlift Wing selected for 2008 DoD Family Readiness Award

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CHEYENNE, Wyo. --  The Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing was selected for the 2008 Department of Defense Family Readiness Award. 

For its accomplishment, the unit will be presented the award, Feb. 13, in the Pentagon Hall of Heroes, in Arlington, Va., and will be hosted by Secretary Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for Reserve Affairs. 

This is the second time in three years the wing has received this award. "The 153rd Airlift Wing family readiness volunteers are caring and consistently place the needs of military families first, even when their own family is deployed," said Col. Dennis Grunstad, 153rd Airlift Wing commander. 

"This award reiterates what we've known for sometime, we have the best volunteers in the country." 

This award recognizes the National Guard and reserve units, one from each of the seven reserve components, with the very best programs to support their families. Representatives from the unit will be on hand to receive a commemorative plaque from Secretary Hall. Each unit will also receive a cash award from the Military Officers Association of America. The cash award is to be put towards the further enhancement of family support programs. 

The DoD Reserve Family Readiness Awards Program was established in 2000 recognize the top unit in each of the reserve components. Family readiness programs are particularly important as significant numbers of reservists are called to serve in critical locations worldwide. Family readiness has proven to be a key component of mission readiness. Robust family readiness programs have enhanced the deployability of Guard and Reserve units and they represent a vital link in the support networks for reserve families. 

"Volunteer based family programs are an integral part of recruitment, retention and quality of life," said Denise Rampolla, wing family readiness and support services coordinator. "People who participate in the program understand the superior care we provide for families adds to mission success."