UK community recognizes US Airmen for heroic actions

Published Nov. 20, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Erin R. Babis
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Every year, brave individuals are recognized as community heroes at the Stars of Suffolk awards ceremony, and this year, Nov. 19, four Airmen from the 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron won the Armed Services of the Year award in recognition of their heroic actions after a Hellenic air force F-16 crashed during an exercise in Spain.

"This really is the most inspiring and the most uplifting event," said Terry Hunt, editor-in-chief of Archant's Suffolk daily titles. "It's my favorite event of the whole year because tonight we're celebrating the true stars of our wonderful county; the so-called ordinary people who do really extraordinary things without realizing just how very special they are."

From more than 300 nominations, three finalists were chosen for 14 categories. All three finalists for the Armed Services Award were U.S. Air Force members from both RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall. The winners, Staff Sgts. Greggory Swarz, Eli Gordon, Matthew Jeffers and Senior Airman Nevin Wolsleben, 48th AMXS Airmen, won as a group for their decision to put others' needs before their own, ultimately saving lives.

"I'm extremely proud of these Airmen from the 48th AMXS," said Lt. Col. Joseph Deporter, 48th AMXS commander. "It's truly an honor for Staff Sgts. Swarz, Gordon, Jeffers and Senior Airman Wolsleben to share the spotlight with truly exceptional members of the Suffolk community in recognition of their heroic actions in Spain. It was a great night for the Liberty Wing and the U.S. Air Force."

The Airmen were all honored to be recognized by the Suffolk community.

"It was a humbling privilege to be honored within the community," Wolsleben said. "This is only a temporary home for me but it is a good feeling to have recognition from the people who live around me."

Swarz echoed his sentiment saying, "I was honored to positively represent the U.S. Air Force in such a prestigious local community event."

Wolsleben explained that the reason for their actions in Spain can be found at the end of the Airman's Creed, "I will never leave an Airman behind, I will never falter and I will not fail."

"It really hits it on the head," Wolsleben said. "Even though the French airmen that died that day weren't of our own, they were allies, and I believe that particular part of the Airman's Creed applies to our fellow Airmen as well as our allies. We risked our lives in an effort to leave no Airman behind."