Wrapping up 2016 Published Dec. 20, 2016 By Airman 1st Class BrieAnna Stillman 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – Team Shaw members wrap up 2016 and prepare for 2017 by acknowledging the accomplishments and achievements made this year. The 20th Fighter Wing not only earned awards at the wing, group and individual levels, but it also returned from successful deployments and participated in exercises to prepare for future contingencies. “Team Shaw works hard every single day,” said Chief Master Sgt. Christopher McKinney, 20th FW command chief. “I can’t believe it’s already December and just yesterday it felt like the first of January. Team Shaw makes the mission happen every single day without fail.” The 20th FW deployed 12 F-16CM Fighting Falcons, flying more than 1,600 combat sorties while delivering continuous air support to numerous coalition operations. The wing also led the offensive during the Sinjar liberation effort, annihilating Daesh supply routes while simultaneously protecting approximately 7,300 Kurdish and Yezidi ground forces. These accomplishments earned the 20th FW the Meritorious Unit Award. One of the many group level awards was presented to, the 20th Medical Group who earned the Joint Commissions Gold Seal of Approval for Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation. The health care accreditation was earned by demonstrating continuous compliance with nationally-recognized standards, which includes a recognition in Primary Care Medical Home Certification. At the individual level, Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Fletcher, as the 20th Fighter Wing Command Post superintendent, was awarded the Bronze Star. Fletcher received the Bronze Star medal for outstanding meritorious achievements during a recent deployment in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. In addition to real world accomplishments, Team Shaw successfully participated in the simulated scenarios during Weasel Victory Operation Readiness exercises and numerous major accident response exercises. These events simulated deployed environments or accidents such as a downed aircraft, tested Team Shaw’s response capabilities and Airmen’s ability to carry out daily missions. “Team Shaw members do amazing things around our wing and our base,” said Col. Daniel Lasica, 20th Fighter Wing commander. “I am proud of you, what you do and who you are.” Team Shaw continues to prepare, employ, and sustain combat ready suppressions of enemy air defenses and develop combat ready Airmen to deploy at anytime, anywhere.