Rupps nominated for O'Malley Award

by Senior Airman Armando A. Schwier-Morales
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

1/14/2013 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Col. Ricky Rupp and his spouse, Charlotte, received the 2013 General Jerome F. O'Malley and Diane O'Malley Air Mobility Command nomination Jan. 3, 2013.

Rupp has led the 22nd Air Refueling Wing since June 2011 commanding more than 2,800 active duty Airmen in one of three core tanker wings.

Named in honor of O'Malley and his wife who were known for their leadership and contributions to Air Force families and communities, the annual award recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the nation, Air Force and local community best exemplify the highest ideals and positive leadership of a military couple in a key Air Force position.

"Colonel and Mrs. Rupp have exemplified the highest ideals and positive leadership of a military couple in a key leadership position," said Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, 18th Air Force commander, in his endorsement letter. "Through innovation, community outreach and demonstrated professionalism, they have led the base to a new standard of excellence. Colonel and Mrs. Rupp are truly the heartbeat of McConnell Air Force Base."

The Rupps have set new standards that have garnered more than 108 higher headquarter level awards. They also guided the base to the finalist level for the Commander-in-Chief's Installation Excellence Award, obtaining $700,000 for base and quality of life improvements.

"I have had the privilege of watching Colonel and Mrs. Rupp work individually and on a collaborative level," said Senior Airman Christopher Lange, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental Flight technician. "What makes them stand out is that they both exude the same passion to identify areas not only around base but also in Airmen's lives that need their attention and support. Once these areas are identified the rapidness of providing the solution to any issues that arise is unprecedented."

By focusing on leadership, goals, and excellence, the Rupps embraced their local community and strengthened ties to create a partnership, according to the award citation.

"The company grade officers on base benefited from the Wing Shadow program in which they get to spend time with the wing commander and see what Wing Stand up involves," said Capt. Mike Vilven, McConnell Company Grade Officer Council president. "Additionally, his strict standards to Officer Performance Reports writing are helping CGOs strive to be more competitive and have better chances for future leadership projects."

Together, the Rupps have volunteered more than 500 hours to the base, advocated four wing cultural events, highlighted family contributions to the base, fortified the Key Spouse's network, transformed the Hearts Apart program, orchestrated the Riverfest military appreciation night, and championed heritage through the Air Force Birthday Gala, according to the nomination package.

These accomplishments are just some of the many AMC recognize upon nominating the Rupps for the O'Malley award, but the Rupps hope to continue the leading the wing that develops next generation of leaders, sets and achieve goals and fosters a culture of excellence.