Comm officers continue tradition of excellence

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Randy LeMay
  • 916 ARW/PA
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NC --  The 716th Communication Flight seems to have a history of winning Air Force Reserve Command level awards, and the beginning of this year is no exception.

Lt. Col. James Horton, 716th CF commander, was recently honored as Outstanding Field Grade Officer for the Air Force Reserve Command Warfighting and Integration Awards for 2006.

"It was a great honor for me to be selected, realizing there are many outstanding field grade officers in the AFRC communication world," said Colonel Horton.

Colonel Horton led a 22 member flight during increased enemy activity while stationed in Iraq. By setting priorities, he assessed the flight's health and implemented group communication procedures that reaped many benefits.

He and his flight maintained war fighting efforts by ensuring that 99 percent of the network was available to their more than 500 customers.

Solidifying a commitment concerning deployments, Colonel Horton and Capt. Ted Janicki, 716th Communication Flight officer, volunteered to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Capt. Janicki was named Outstanding Company Grade Officer for Air Force Reserve Command Warfighting and Integration Awards for 2006.

Colonel Horton explained that a unit needs its leaders to set the pace and go beyond the month-to-month routine.

"Capt. Janicki is a great asset to our unit, bringing many talents to the fight," said Colonel Horton. "His willingness to volunteer for a year with the Army just proves the caliber of officer he is."

While deployed, Capt. Janicki aided in saving the life of an 8-year-old Afghan boy that was involved in a hit-and-run accident. After conducting first aid, Capt. Janicki provided security and helped with the evacuation of the boy to a nearby hospital.

"It's more about recognition for the unit; keeping our unit in the eyes of the command," said Colonel Horton.

With a merger between the 916th Communication Flight and the 716th CF occurring in May 2007, Colonel Horton added that his people and squadron would keep doing what they do and work hard at exceeding the needs of the wing, the command and the Air Force.