Wing receives Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Published Oct. 19, 2016 By Master Sgt. Michael Crane 139th Airlift Wing ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- The 139th Airlift Wing received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for meritorious service from Nov. 1, 2013 - Oct. 31, 2015. The award is given to units that have performed exceptionally and stand out among other Air National Guard units. "This is a great honor that is a testament to the hard work that each and every one of you do on a daily basis," said Col. Ralph Schwader, commander of the 139th Airlift Wing, in an email addressed to the airmen. "From the normal business of the day to fighting the war, you always go above and beyond in all you do." Many significate accomplishments occurred during that time frame including the activation of the C-130H Weapons Instructor Course and multiple deployments overseas supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Unit members who served during that time and contributed to the mission of the wing will be authorized to wear the AFOUA ribbon on their dress uniform. The last time the wing received the AFOUA was in 1999.