Wing historians garner Air Force award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Angela Shepherd
  • 1st SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Usually, Air Force historians are in the business of tracking history. This year, the 1st Special Operations Wing historians made a little of their own history by winning a prestigious Air Force-level award.

Dr. John Glover, 1st SOW chief historian, and Jeff Michalke, 1st SOW deputy historian, won the John R. Burton Award, which recognizes historians assigned to a wing multi-person history office. The Air Force Special Operations Command History Office submitted the duo for the award.

"Dr. Glover and Mr. Michalke are an exceptional team that takes great pride in the work they do for the 1st SOW. They love the mission and heritage, and it shows," said Herb Mason, AFSOC command historian.

The Burton Award is given out by the Air Force History and Museums Program annually. Their annual award program recognizes excellence in history programs, historical publications and heritage projects, and awards commendable work by military and civilian personnel for outstanding performance or achievement, both as individuals or teams.

"When we were told we had been selected as the best history office in AFSOC, it meant a great deal. Jeff Michalke and I are members of a great team and do our best to uphold the Air Commando ethic," Dr. Glover said. "I was frankly astonished when Col. Brad Webb, 1st SOW commander, coined us for receiving the Burton Award as best in the entire Air Force. There's tremendous talent and skill in the Air Force History and Museums Program, and I'm honored to be a part of such a group."

Mr. Michalke, who is preparing to transfer to Scott Air Force Base, Ill., feels the award is the perfect end to his tenure at Hurlburt.

"It was an honor to have the AFSOC History Office submit Dr. Glover and me for this award. It truly means a lot to know our major command supports and recognizes the hard work we do on a daily basis," Mr. Michalke said. "After eight years working in the history office, I am leaving the 1st SOW on a high note. I will definitely miss the Air Commando spirit."

Submitting the team for the award was a natural fit for the AFSOC History Office.

"The histories they produce are exceptional, their involvement in historical outreach is impressive, and their commitment to excellence is unyielding," Mr. Mason said. "Just as important, they go about their business in a way that is truly representative of the 'Quiet Professionals' credo."

Chief Master Sgt. John R. Burton was the first senior enlisted historian for Air Force Systems Command. He was the only enlisted person to serve as a major command historian. Under his leadership, deployed historians quickly set the standard for collecting and reporting wartime historical data during Operation Desert Storm. This data provided the foundation for post-war studies and reports compiled at all command echelons.