Page 4 - Desert Lightning News So. AZ Edition, June 1 2018

4 June 2018 Desert Lightning News www.aerotechnews.com/davis-monthanafb
Story and photo by Airman 1st Class FRANKIE MOORE
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Capt. Ridge Flick, 354th Fighter Squadron Weapons and Tactics chief, was named the 2017 Air Combat Command Company Grade Officer of the Year.
The ACC Company Grade Officer of the Year is awarded to an officer who shows extraordinary leadership, expertise and commitment not only in his career field, but in his everyday life as well.
Flick garnered this award for his support of the 354th FS during Opera- tion Inherent Resolve. As chief of tactics during his deployment, Flick lead a strike package consisting of six A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and two F-15 Strike Eagles as well as tracked down any weapons problems in order to fix them.
“What motivates me is supporting our troops and isolated personnel on the ground,” Flick said. “Those guys need my squadron to be at their absolute best at all times in order to provide effective support.”
Because of his efforts, the 354th FS dropped more weapons on a deploy- ment than any A-10 squadron in history.
Flick’s commitment to excellence also extends to his home life. He and his wife give back to the city of Tucson by volunteering weekly at a wildlife refuge.
“Since we go every week, we get to see these animals go through the entire rehab process from entry to release,” Flick said. “I truly enjoy dedi- cating my time to this refuge.”
Flick and his wife have recently become certified to handle birds of prey, allowing them to further aid the wildlife refuge.
Flick’s actions on and off the job truly display the Air Force core value of excellence in all we do. Though the award is meant for an individual, Flick believes that this triumph was a group effort.
“In my mind, this is a 354th award,” Flick said. “This is an amazing squadron with amazing personnel, and I couldn’t have gotten this award if it wasn’t for them.”
Capt. Ridge Flick, 354th Fighter Squadron Weapons and Tactics chief, poses May 3 in front of an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Flick was named the 2017 Air Combat Com- mand Company Grade Officer of the Year.
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D-M Airman best ACC company grade officer of year
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