TOP STORY > >Former historian makes history

by Airman 1st Class Rochelle Sollars
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

A former 19th Airlift Wing historian made history when he coordinated the arrangement of the 19th AW historic hallway.

Chris Hunkel, now a 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs specialist, won the 2010 Air Force Heritage Award for the hallway display at the 19th AW headquarters building.

“[This award] reflects what can be accomplished when people work together toward a common goal,” said Mr. Hunkel. “There were a lot of design ideas and visions from senior leadership which were put into reality by a large assembly of people with different vocational skills. Apparently, my name received the award, but that in no way means I did it. Without the labor of many, it would have never happened.”

Mr. Hunkel said the help he received from a team of 19th Civil Engineer Squadron personnel and Tech. Sgt. Jerry Graham Jr, 19th Airlift Wing, brought the history hallway to life.

“It’s nice to know that all the work accomplished by so many people involved in the project received some recognition,” said Mr. Hunkel. “It must be noted that CE personnel completed the majority of the work required. Without them, it never would have been able to begin let alone get finished.

The majority of the display consists of 46 different service, campaign, expeditionary and decoration streamers awarded to the 19th (designated as either a group or wing) by the Army Air Force and Air Force.

“Service streamers represent non-combat service in the various theaters of military operations where as campaign streamers are awarded for direct involvement by a unit in combat operations for various military campaigns,” said Mr. Hunkel. “Additionally there is a presidential unit citation streamer from the Philippians Islands and two from the Republic of Korea.”

The Distinguished Unit Citation was the United States’ predecessor to today’s Presidential Unit Citation. First established in 1942, units earned this award for extraordinary valor in combat actions on or after December 7, 1941 and it represents the degree of heroism required that would warrant the award of the Distinguished Service Cross to an individual. The 19th earned seven DUCs.

“At the time the display was produced there were no 19th histories on hand here,” said Mr. Hunkel. “To the extent possible, each streamer has a plaque below it explaining its significance and some of the 19th’s actions that resulted in the award. As more information becomes available the plaques will be replaced with a more detailed explanation of what the 19th specifically did to earn the respective streamer.”

The Air Force Heritage Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments by Air Force History and Museums Program personnel that foster a better understanding and appreciation of the Air Force, its history and accomplishments. In this case a better understanding and appreciation of the 19th AW and its accomplishments.

“Our promotion of wing heritage fosters a connection between the wing and its past,” said Dan Phoenix, 19th Airlift Wing historian. “We can gain experience and inspiration from our past. We have a lot to be proud of in Team Little Rock, both for our rich and honorable history, and for the way we’re continuing to build on it today.”

Mr. Hunkel was a public affairs specialist during his enlisted career in the Air Force and decided to go back to his roots.