Major Darren E. Bates, Altus AFB award winner! Published April 29, 2010 By SrA Marianne E. Lane 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Maj. Darren E. Bates is the recipient of the both the Wing Staff Quarterly Award and the Wing-level for the 97th Air Mobility Wing in the category of Field Grade Officer for the first quarter. The Altus AFB quarterly awards program recognizes outstanding performers as a very important part of taking care of our people. When asked what Major Bates credits his award to he said, "The team that I work with; without them I would not have been able to accomplish what I have." Major Bates is the assistant director of operations for the 97th Training Squadron. In this capacity, Major Bates assists the commander and director of operations on high-visibility projects and short notice taskings. As a C-17A instructor pilot, Major Bates instructs mobility pilots on the safe and effective operation of the C-17A Globemaster III. Major Bates ensured base housing resident's needs were met and they were kept safe during the historic Oklahoma ice storm, Jan.-Feb. Four off station missions were completed safely and on time. He completed the "Truth" project and "Dealing with Difficult Decisions" equaling 17 credit hours. Also, he is a community advocate; he coordinated efforts between his neighbors and the power company to modify the electric station and reduce pollution. Major Bates gives his words of wisdom to others who would like similar recognition, "Keep track of what you do. So much happens in such a short period of time that you sometimes walk away from the fight knowing you accomplished so much but have a hard time recalling the details." Major Bates hails from Northfield, N.J., and is married to the former Greta Haldeman, of Hershey, Penn. Together they have five children; Jedediah, 7; Jeshua, 5; Edom, 4; Josiah, 1; and Abbi, 3 months. "We must do what we can to ensure these performers are recognized for their superb efforts, using the 'whole person' concept as a template," said Chief Master Sgt. Eric Molloy, 97th Air Mobility Wing command chief. Major Bates, along with the other winners, are set to compete in the 2010 97th Air Mobility Wing Annual Awards.