Commandos get Cheney Award

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - Two Air Force Special Operations Command airmen from Hurlburt Field were recognized for receiving the 2017 Cheney Award on June 13. Now-Lt. Col. Matthew Mills and Master Sgt. Michael Wilson displayed extraordinary heroism while providing humanitarian relief after Hurricane Maria left a path of devastation on the island of Dominica in September 2017. Mills served as an MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft commander and Wilson served as the aircraft loadmaster. Both were assigned to the 15th Special Operations Squadron at the time of the actions. The Cheney Award is an aviation award presented to an airman for an act of valor, extreme fortitude or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian interest, performed in connection with an aircraft, but not necessarily of a military nature. The remainder of the crew consisted of Co-Pilot: Capt. Justin White; Navigator: Maj. Garrett Bridges; Electronic Warfare Officer: Capt. Joseph Madel; Flight Engineer: Master Sgt. Michael Naas; and Loadmaster: Staff Sgt. John Hashman. (Source: Air Force Special Operations Command, 07/31/19)