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Two Airmen from the 37th Airlift Squadron were awarded the Air Medal Feb. 19 on Ramstein.
The C-130J Super Hercules crew members were awarded for exemplary professionalism and airmanship to safely recover a $70 million aircraft, 10 crew members and 80 passengers by performing an emergency ramp-open landing in spite of abnormal and dangerous flight conditions May 27, 2014, in Mali.
According to Lt. Col. Barry A. King II, 37th AS commander, their actions were nothing short of heroic.
“I think it is amazing to be able to recognize these fine Airmen for their aviation prowess,” King said. “They did a phenomenal job handling this emergency. They are true professionals and deserve this award.”
The medals were awarded to Capt. Kenneth Jubb, 37th AS flight commander, and Master Sgt. Boris Brink, 37th AS operations superintendent. Two former 37th AS Airmen, Capt. Derrick Hoxie and Tech. Sgt. Justin Pike, were also recognized.
The Air Medal, established under Franklin D. Roosevelt May 11, 1942, is awarded to service members serving in or with the U.S armed forces and distinguish themselves by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.
According to Jubb, receiving such an award is surreal.
“It was quite an honor that the Air Force put this on for us,” Jubb said. “I got to relive (the event) a little during the awards listening to people talk about it so much.”
Without these Airmen, the joint service members onboard would’ve been lost along with the $70 million aircraft and 5,000 pounds of equipment. Their names are now written in history among the very few who have received such a prestigious award for going above and beyond by taking care of others and ensuring mission success.
