Spirit Award evolves through creative additions

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon White
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The 341st Maintenance Group added new additions to the Spirit Award Jan. 10 including handles made of wrenches, a hand-made missile and several plaques representing Aerospace Ground Equipment. 

The award was implemented Oct. 27, 2006, to foster teamwork, pride and spirit. 

The award is given to a new unit each quarter that has demonstrated the most spirit and is presented at the quarterly awards ceremony. 

The winners are chosen by Col. Sandy Finan, 341st Space Wing commander, with the help of Col. Paul Gydesen, 341st SW vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Steve Sargent, 341st SW command chief. 

"It is always a difficult decision," Colonel Finan said. "We have absolutely unmatched professionals that are doing incredible work on-and-off base every day. I often wish I could give the spirit award to several of our superstar organizations." 

The spirit award encompasses many aspects including teamwork, community service, spirit shown in mission accomplishment at award and promotion ceremonies, etc., Colonel Finan said. 

"The spirit award is not about individuals -- it is about the team that individuals belong to ... the way they coalesce and work toward higher goals ... the way they bring new members into the Air Force family ... the way they demonstrate that they truly live by a higher standard," Colonel Finan explained. 

Each of the five units who have received the award so far has added something that represents them. 

A larger base was added which includes a toilet handle/light switch that operates LEDs above an engraving of the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron shield. The 341st Medical Group added a black bedpan. The 341st Security Forces Group added a beret and badge to the original grizzly bear that topped the award and some fake blood trickling from its mouth. The 341st Operations Group added a plaque representing its squadrons. 

The award will be passed on to a new unit at the next quarterly awards ceremony, at which point, another unit from Malmstrom will have its chance to add its creative touch to the trophy.