AF names aircrew life support winners; AFSOC Airman among recipients

  • Published
  • By Maj. Erin Dick
  • AFSOC Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  An Air Force Special operations commando assigned to the Operations Training Division was recently recognized as one of the Air Force's best when the 2005 Outstanding USAF Aircrew Life Support Awards were announced.

Master Sgt. Richard Colson, life support superintendent, was named 2005 Outstanding USAF Aircrew Life Support Headquarters Staff Member of the year beating out other life support Airmen from across the Air Force.

"Receiving this recognition was a shock," said Sergeant Colson of the award. "Each major command has such sharp troops and I'm sure the competition was very close."

Prior to serving as the organization's superintendent, Sergeant Colson served in acquisition and requirements where he was responsible for securing millions of dollars in funding to provide cutting edge equipment and training for Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen.

One of his biggest accomplishments was securing $8.9 million in funding to purchase PRC-112G survival radios for AFSOC aircrew.

"This is probably the first time in history we were able to outfit our aircrew with the most advanced survival radio made to date," Sergeant Colson said. "We've never had enough to outfit each crewmember and now we do."

"Master Sgt. Colson has a keen analytic ability which helps him get to the root cause of problems – solving them quickly and decisively," said Lt. Col. Chris Schweinsberg, chief of AFSOC operations and training. "Sergeant Colson defines what it means to be a leader in the Air Force and his community. Rather than rest on his laurels, he’s always looking for the next big challenge."

In addition to performing his many superintendent responsibilities, Sergeant Colson managed to make time to transport much needed relief to hurricane victims in Mississippi, collect food and clothing for a local rescue mission and serve as an active member of the AFSOC Top-3 and Air Force Sergeants Association.

"Sergeant Colson is unquestionably the most deserving of this award and undoubtedly this will not be the last time he is recognized at the Air Force level," Colonel Schweinsberg said.