58 AS Airman named AETC nominee for pilot award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Maj. Scott M. Anderson, 58th Airlift Squadron, here, was recently named the 2007 Daedalian Exceptional Pilot nominee for the Air Education and Training Command.

The award, established in 1998 by the order of the Daedalians, was created to inspire duty performance excellence by career military pilots who place nation above self. The award is given to one USAF and one Navy recipient annually.

The Daedalian Exceptional Pilot award recognizes one or more feats such as: deeds performed to guarantee mission success, acts of valor as an aviator, extraordinary displays of courage or leadership in the air in support of air operations and accomplishments pertaining to flying safety factors.

Major Anderson accomplished many of those feats, which resulted in his nomination for the award.

"My job as a C-17 aircraft commander is to lead a crew to get the mission done," Major Anderson said. "In this case, we had a life on the line and my crew and I were challenged to rapidly and safely transport injured soldiers out of an austere location. Ultimately, we were basically doing what we do every mission. That day, we happened to be in the right place at the right time and helped save a life."

58 AS Commander Lt. Col. Paul E. Bauman said that Major Anderson received this honor due to the dedication he displays on every task assigned to him, and "he doesn't know how to fail."

"Major Anderson illustrates the immense pride the C-17 community, and all air mobility forces, take in accomplishing challenging missions, day in and day out," Colonel Paul E. Bauman said. "I have known Major Anderson for several years, and he is a high caliber officer and aviator. I am extremely proud to have Scott as a member of the 58th Airlift Squadron."

Major Anderson remains humble even though he is nominated for the prestigious pilot award.

"This is my first time being nominated at the command level for an award," Major Anderson said. "While I'm honored to be nominated, I am well aware that thousands of aviators are out there doing their job everyday and overcoming challenges.

"I couldn't do my job without fellow crewmembers, support personnel and my family," he said. "So I'm honored by the recognition and also humbled by the fact that this 'individual' award wouldn't be possible without the larger Air Force team making the mission happen."

Major Anderson will now compete with other USAF nominees. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force T. Michael Moseley will select a winner and make the presentation.