908th Mission Support Group recognizes accomplishments Published Feb. 11, 2014 By Senior Master Sgt. Martha Roy 908th Airlift Wing MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- During the January UTA, Col. Harold Linnean, commander of the 908th Mission Support Group, held his first group commander's call. He spoke about the need for reflection, to treat others with dignity and respect, to remember influences and "do your (darn) job." One of the most anticipated segments was when awards for the past three quarters were handed out. "I believe people want to feel respected and to be associated with success," said Linnean. "Awards are one way to make people feel special and to recognize the results of their hard work." After quarterly awards were handed out, Linnean recognized Senior Airman Shaniqua Rogers as the wing's nominee for the Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award. The award "recognizes the accomplishments of officers and enlisted members who have demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in the performance of their duties, and the conduct of their lives." Rogers will now compete at the MAJCOM level. Within the group, there is the coveted "Trailblazer Trophy" which recognizes the squadron having the best metrics for commanders' programs. These include focus items including performance reports, fitness and medical readiness. The 908th SFS earned the trophy for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013 and the first quarter of FY 2014, with honors for fourth quarter FY 2013 going to 908th LRS. The final award presentation was for a newly created 908th MSG Safety Award. According to Linnean, "Safety is one of the most important issues that we face day-to-day. A successful unit safety program is key to mission success within the Air Force. Keeping our Airmen safe should always be our number one goal." The award went to the 908th Force Support Squadron, which revamped its existing safety program and made it the best group program. A recent wing-wide inspection revealed the hard work, noting that the number of write ups decreased from more than 20 to five. 908th Mission Support Group Quarterly Award Winners Second Quarter 2013: Senior Airman Patrick Ezelle, 25th Aerial Port Squadron; Staff Sgt. Donavon Johnson, 908th Logistics Readiness Squadron; Master Sgt. Grant McDaniel, 25 APS, and 1st Lt. Jaika Stone, 908th Security Forces Squadron. Third Quarter 2013: Airman First Class Faren Douglas, 908th SFS; Staff Sgt. Tina Ashley, 908th LRS; Master Sgt. Michael Conner, 908th SFS; and Capt. Raymond Klinger, 908th LRS. Fourth Quarter 2013: Senior Airman Theresa Hall, 908th LRS; Staff Sgt. Angel Gonzalez, 908th LRS; and Master Sgt. Steven Higginbotham, 908th SFS.