Maj Richard receives Chennault Award

Maj. Mike Richard 20th Operations Support Squadron, (center) receives the Lt. Gen. Claire Chennault Award at the Air Force Association’s Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition, Sept. 17, 2012, Washington, D.C. Every year the Air Force spotlights the most outstanding fighter tactician from the combat air forces. The search combs through hundreds of pilots from four major commands, the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. This year Richard has been named best combat tactician in the Air Force for 2011, and earned the Lt. Gen. Claire Chennault Award from the Air Force Association. In Operation Odyssey Dawn, the NATO action against Libya, he helped lead the destruction of 101 surface-to-air missiles, 120 radars, 83 missile command vehicles and 120 air defense artillery guns. (Courtesy photo)

Kazakhstani aviators visit 20th FW

Kazakhstan Air Defense Forces Col. Murat Kazhmuratov, main directorate for supervision over aviation safety, asks questions about Shaw’s flight tower operations, Sept. 19, 2012, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. The Kazakhstan ADF visited Shaw for two days to learn about the 20th Fighter Wing’s safety programs and how they work. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kenny Holston/Released)

Kazakhstani aviators visit 20th FW

Members of the Kazakhstan Air Defense Forces get a close-up look at different radars and monitors used by radar approach controllers, Sept. 19, 2012, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. The Kazakhstan ADF visited Shaw for two days to learn about the 20th Fighter Wing’s safety programs and how they work. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kenny Holston/Released)

Kazakhstani aviators visit 20th FW

Members of the Kazakhstan Air Defense Forces listen to a flight operations briefing before getting a closer look at how 20th Operations Support Squadron radar approach controllers execute their jobs while keeping with in strict safety guidelines, Sept. 19, 2012, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. The Kazakhstan ADF visited Shaw for two days to learn about the 20th Fighter Wing’s safety programs and how they work. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kenny Holston/Released)

Creech Golf Complex Dedication

Stephen M. Creech, Sumter Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs chairman, shakes hands with Col. Clay Hall, 20th Fighter Wing commander, during a surprise dedication ceremony, where the golf course complex was renamed after him in his honor, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sept. 24, 2012. Creech is a former City of Sumter Mayor and long time military supporter. Creech’s family and several local civic leaders attended the dedication ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Ann Blodzinski/Released)

Creech Golf Complex Dedication

New letters label the Stephen M. Creech Golf Complex recently dedicated to Creech during a ceremony at Carolina Lakes, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sept. 24, 2012. Creech is a former City of Sumter Mayor and long time military supporter. Currently he is the Sumter Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs chairman and serves on the Air Combat Command Commander’s Group. Creech’s family and several local civic leaders attended the dedication ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Ann Blodzinski/Released)