McConnell Reserve unit honors, thanks local employer

  • Published
  • By Capt. Zach Anderson
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Air Force Reserve 931st Air Refueling Group honored a local Wichita employer for exceptional support of the unit's wartime mission today.

Col. Mark S. Larson, commander of the 931st Air Refueling Group, presented Beechcraft Corporation with a certificate and letter of appreciation for their outstanding sustained support of Lt. Col. Esteban Ramirez, a traditional Reservist who serves as a pilot with the 18th Air Refueling Squadron and works as the Director of Systems Engineering at Beechcraft in his civilian capacity.

"So often we in the military are told 'thank-you' by those in the local community," said Larson. "Today it's our turn to say 'thank-you' to you for what you do. We recognize the sacrifices you make to allow Lt. Col. Ramirez to serve, and your support is what truly allows the Air Force Reserve and the 931st Air Refueling Group to accomplish our mission."

Ramirez has been employed with Beechcraft since 2006. In that time, he has been mobilized three times and has been deployed to multiple locations throughout Southwest Asia for more than 270 days.

On his last deployment while serving as part of the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Ramirez flew his 100th combat mission. This fact was commemorated by Larson presenting Ramirez's civilian supervisor, Bill James, with a 931st commander's coin as well as a "100 Combat Mission" patch.

"We thought it would be very special to present the employer with a '100 Combat Mission' morale patch," said Lt. Col. Mike Moeding, 18th Air Refueling Squadron Director of Operations. "The Air Force doesn't allow us to actually wear those patches on our flight suits anymore, but they are still extremely meaningful to aircrew members. They signify our history and our heritage, so presenting one to the employer is our way of letting them know that we recognize the sacrifice they make to allow our traditional Reservists to serve and that they are a critical part of what makes the Air Force Reserve such a capable force."

Ramirez also had his own way of showing gratitude, as he presented the flag that was flown on his 100th combat sortie to his employer.

"I appreciate the incredible support of this company so much," said Ramirez. "It is a good feeling to know when I go deploy that when I come back home my job will be safe. As a Reservist, I cannot over-emphasize how important that is."