Col. Mike Minihan, 19th Airlift Wing commander, and his wife, Ashley, were nominated for Air Mobility Command’s 2011 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O’Malley award for distinguishing themselves in the performance of outstanding service to the base for the year of 2011.
The O’Malley Award annually recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the nation, the Air Force, and the local community best exemplify the highest ideals and positive leadership of a military couple in a key Air Force position.
“While Ashley and I are humbled to be AMC’s recipient and Air Force nominee for this award, our nomination is really recognition of everything the Airmen of Little Rock Air Force Base have done this year,” the colonel said. “This award really belongs to each Airman and their family. I want to thank each of you for the privilege of being your commander.”
The dedication shown by Team Little Rock members over the past year was highlighted by their rapid response to a disastrous tornado with determination and commitment to the mission. Despite the tornado causing more than $82 million worth of damage, affecting 273 homes, 60 buildings, five aircraft and causing a power failure on base, Team Little Rock members placed service before self and were able to provide immediate shelter and relief for 54 displaced families and had the base operational again within 12 hours, launching aircraft and deploying more than 400 Airmen to support the Air Force’s needs in the area of responsibility within 60 hours.
Team Little Rock members also worked together to prove their mettle during the Air Mobility Command Logistic Compliance Inspection Program and the wing’s first ever Operational Readiness Inspection as the host unit. The hard work of the Airmen and civilians impressed the LCAP and ORI inspectors as the wing received a grade of “Excellent” for the LCAP, and a grade of “Satisfactory” for the ORI, certifying the wing is war-capable and mission-ready.
Additionally, the base opened the $14.5 million Jacksonville-Little Rock AFB University Center in January, a first-of-its-kind education center at the base’s perimeter that was funded in part by a $5 million donation from the city after it taxed residents over a two-year period.
Also on the education front, a partnership with local community leaders resulted in Flightline Academy, a Jacksonville public charter school, opening on base in August, giving area on- and off-base residents an alternative education choice for children in fifth through eight grades.
(Courtesy of 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs)
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