An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

RED HORSE commander earns top AFRC civil engineer award

  • Published
  • By Michael Dukes
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. --  560th RED HORSE Squadron Commander, Lt. Col. Joseph Swaim, earned the top honor in the 2014 Air Force Civil Engineer Award at the Air Force Reserve Command level.

"This award is a testament to and a reflection of the hard work by literally hundreds of people," Swaim said.  "To the 264 personnel in the 560th RHS who completed two rotations on construction projects, annual tour deployments to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada to repair heavy equipment and successfully completing the unit effectiveness inspection."

Swaim said the 560th RHS worked as a team in 557th Expeditionary RHS along with Airmen of the 307th RHS at Barksdale AFB, La. and the 820th RHS at Nellis AFB.  "Scattered across seven locations in five countries, we completed over 40 construction projects valued at 8.4 million dollars in a six month period."

As 557th commander "It was his responsibility to bring active duty and Reserve Airmen primarily from the units mentioned, but also from other units, together as a team to accomplish high priority work in the area of responsibility," Said Col. Timothy Lamb, 622nd Civil Engineering Group commander. 

"This is not necessarily an easy task due to the sense of urgency and the relatively short time span you have to be successful. You have to learn quickly and execute. Team leaders have to be identified, roles assigned and adjustments made, and decisions made with limited information.  Lt. Col. Swaim took on this challenge and poured everything into it and as a result was very successful, Lamb added.

"Well done garnering this 2014 AFRC award," said Col. Scott Sauter, 315th Airlift Wing commander in an e-mail to Swaim.  "This accomplishment is obviously a testament to your sound leadership, tireless efforts and self-sacrifice, and the supremely talented team over at the 560 RHS."

Swaim's award package will be forwarded along with other winners to compete at the Air Force level.