Altus Air Force Base News

 

Spangenthal inducted into Altus AFB Order of the Spear

  • Published
  • By U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Franklin R. Ramos
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  U.S. Air Force Col. Bill Spangenthal, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, was inducted into the Order of the Spear during a ceremony June 3.

Induction into the Order of the Spear is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a leader by the enlisted members of the 97th Air Mobility Wing.

"The award dates back to 1999. The enlisted force created an award to honor those who they felt were a leader among leaders and have done a tremendous amount for the Airmen," said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Powell, 97th AMW command chief. "I think the main reason he was nominated is because his footprint, as far as advancing the enlisted on this installation, has been far reaching."

Spangenthal has been very active with the enlisted force at Altus AFB, working with Airmen, learning their jobs and listening to their concerns. His focus on mentoring all ranks left a profound impression on Powell.

"He is genuine. What you see with him is what you get," said Powell. "He is the same whether he's behind closed doors or out there with the Airmen. I can always count on him to be consistent. He's pretty transparent on everything and he gives Airmen the benefit of the doubt."

During the ceremony, Spangenthal received a spear and a proclamation signed by enlisted members of the wing.

"I want to thank you all. I look around the room and I see the best in the world, I see folks that are less than one percent of the country who serve," said Spangenthal at the event. "There is no doubt that you are the finest, most skilled, best educated and most professional enlisted force in the world. Honestly, I just wish I can do more for you all."

Spangenthal arrived at Altus AFB as the wing commander in June 2013 and will depart this month. During that time, Altus AFB won the 2014 Commander In Chief's Installation Excellence Award and has been named the Formal Training Unit for the U.S. Air Force KC-46 Pegasus refueling aircraft. For Spangenthal, though, the people have always been his priority.

"The thing I'm going to miss most about the job is you all. This interaction is awesome, I love it. I'm going to miss working with you all getting out seeing what you do," said Spangenthal. "The thing I'm most proud of is listening to four wing commanders brag about you during the out-brief of the CINC IEA, which is a highlight for me in my Air Force career. Thank you all again, it's been my privilege and honor to serve you, I'd do it again. This is as good as it gets for me and I wish I could do more but we will continue to strive and serve you all and do the best we can so we give you the opportunity to succeed, to be the incredible Airmen that you are."