The vast majority of military personnel don’t go after awards or accolades. Instead, they do their jobs in an occupation they love. If someone gives them a pat on the back or a job well done, then that is nice. Thursday night at Northwood Country Club in Meridian, four airmen with the 186th Air Refueling Wing of the Mississippi Air National Guard stationed at Key Field were recognized by the Air Force Association in Meridian for their commitment to both their service and to their communities.

“This is a very special night,” said AFA President Langford Knight. “We are excited for these airmen and we appreciate the service they give us both in Meridian and in serving our country.”

One of the night’s honoree’s, Tech Sgt. Kevin McReynolds, said it was a humbling experience to be named to one of the awards.

“It’s really nice to be recognized for the job we do,” said McReynolds, who was named the Outstanding Non-commissioned Officer of the Year. “We sacrifice a lot but it is to do a job we love.”

Also receiving awards were Sr. Airman Mychal C. Neal, Outstanding Airman of the Year, Mstr. Sgt. Rodney W. Moon, Outstanding Sr. Non-commissioned Officer of the Year, and Tech Sgt. Michael Lamoreaux, named a Charles Sullivan Leadership Nominee. Also recognized was Cadet Lt. Col. Tyler Todd who was the Civil Air Patrol Award Winner.

An impressive lineup of speakers was assembled to salute those who were honored. Among them were Mississippi National Guard Adjutant Gen. Harold Cross who noted the United States enjoyed having the finest military in the world.

“Thank God for these young airmen,” Cross said. “This is a dangerous world we live in and in order to preserve peace, we have to be prepared to go to war.”

United States Congressman Chip Pickering of Mississippi noted America has made a covenant with freedom and now we find ourselves in a global struggle in which all of our forces are engaged.

“We must not retreat, nor should we surrender. We must fight until the mission is complete,” said Pickering.

The AFA is a civilian organization whose mission it is to impress upon the general public the important role of the United States Air Force and to support the servicemen and women, and their families, who serve their country.

The newly designated Air Force Association G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Chapter #376 currently has 100 members in and around Meridian.