Annual Squadron Awards

[majdomke]

Most squadrons have an annual award ceremony to recognize their members. Some of the awards presented are on the national level such as VFW, AFSA and AFA awards. Others follow the Wing/National structure and those members are forwarded up the chain for nomination at the next echelon. I wanted to see what other squadrons do to recognize their members using awards that are more personal, ie. Most Improved Cadet, etc... Oftentimes we want to recognize our members but can't give everyone Cadet of the Year or Senior Member of the Year awards. What does your squadron do?

[NC Hokie]

We have a local Cadet of the Year award for the year's most outstanding cadet. The cadet's name is placed on a permanent plaque and the cadet is presented with the Air Force Association Outstanding Cadet Award (framed cert and ribbon/medal). If the cadet meets the requirements, a separate nomination is sent up the chain for the wing CotY award.

[Spaceman3750]

We got an Achievement Award approved for one of our members. I also wrote up our CDC for Cadet Programs Officer of the Year (she won).

You could also just do something like "We want to recognize SM Bagodoughnuts for his outstanding work manning the coffee maker with this bag of Intelligentsia premium coffee/Starbucks gift card/some other small token."

[majdomke]

One's I've used for my cadets in the past have been:
Cadet of the Year
Cadet Officer of the Year
Cadet NCO of the Year
Most Improved Cadet

and of course the AFA and AFSA

This year I was finally able to nominate for the VFW awards because we have a Color Guard. In the past I've only had an Honor Guard which didn't qualify.

No idea what to do for seniors... Typical ones like:
Senior Member of the Year or Officer of the Year for those out there opposed to calling us old guys Senior Members
Aerospace Officer of the Year - only because we have more than one AEO

It's hard to come up with SM awards, at least from my perspective which is part of the reason I started this topic. Suggestions are most appreciated...

[bosshawk]

Suggestions:

Pilot of the Year
Observer of the Year
Ground Team Member of the Year
CD Member of the Year

etc.

[MSG Mac]

The problem with awards is not getting them, but a lack of nominations or writeups for the award. When I was a Wing/DP we had a tough time getting nominations for SM of the Year-out of 27 units we would get 4 or 5 nominations. Hint guys and gals, you don't get it, if you don't put them in for it.

[lordmonar]

The problem with awards is not getting them, but a lack of nominations or writeups for the award. When I was a Wing/DP we had a tough time getting nominations for SM of the Year-out of 27 units we would get 4 or 5 nominations. Hint guys and gals, you don't get it, if you don't put them in for it.

+1.  Additional hint.......if you feel you deserve it....put yourself in for it!  Sometimes your boss needs a little reminder once and awhile.

[Woodsy]

My local squadron does certificates of appreciation/participation for events.  For example, if 20 members volunteer to run a promo booth at the county fair, or help with parking at an event, they will get a certificate for it.  It's easy, quick and cheap to print them out and can be done at home or on a squadron printer, and it makes the member feel appreciated and worthwhile.  The expense is minimal, the payoff through increased morale and sense of belonging is huge. 

[Private Investigator]

My local squadron does certificates of appreciation/participation for events.  For example, if 20 members volunteer to run a promo booth at the county fair, or help with parking at an event, they will get a certificate for it.  It's easy, quick and cheap to print them out and can be done at home or on a squadron printer, and it makes the member feel appreciated and worthwhile.  The expense is minimal, the payoff through increased morale and sense of belonging is huge.

+1