2022 AFA Awards
The organizations that were recognized for their outstanding performance, by the Gen E. W. Rawlings Chapter of the Air Force Association, include members of the University of Minnesota and St Thomas ROTC programs, the 133rd ANG, 934th ARS, three Junior ROTC units, St Thomas Academy and Civil Air Patrol. Lt Col Janelle Gates, who is also a member of the Rawlings Chapter and the Minnesota Wing Public Affairs Officer, solicits each of the organizations commanders to name some of their top performance in 2021. This year, five cadets and two senior members of Civil Air Patrol were recognized for their dedication and service.
Colonel Stuart Pettis, keynote speaker, presented awards to our Civil Air Patrol awardees:
From the Viking Squadron: C/1Lt Emmet Wolf, St Thomas Academy
From the St Cloud Composite Squadron: Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Benjamin Greshowak
From the Hutchison Composite Squadron: Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Massimo Luciano
From the Fort Snelling Squadron: Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Owen Hobbs:
From the Anoka Squadron: Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Giselle Johnson
From the St Cloud Composite Squadron: First Lieutenant Leah Staup
From the North Hennepin Composite Squadron: Second Lieutenant Chris Damsgard
Colonel Stuart Pettis retired from the United States Air Force in September 2021 after a 29-year career. He served in a variety of space operations and policy assignments at the Headquarters Space Force, Headquarters Air Force, major command, numbered air force, and unit level. He also commanded Thule Air Base, the Air Force’s largest overseas installation.
He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Weapons School and a contributor to the book Space Power Integration: Perspectives of Space Weapons Officers, published in 2006 by “Air University Press.” He has also contributed articles to “Air and Space Power Journal’s” online journal as well as Air Force Space Command’s professional journal “High Frontier.”
"Serving in a dual role the Chapters’ Vice Executive President and as North Central Region’s Vice Commander, I am very proud to be a member of both organizations that help educate, advocate, and support our current and future leaders." Col Theis
Article courtesy of Col. Theis
MN Wing Facebook
