Nellis units, sergeants celebrate

Dick Benoit

Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2000 | 9:51 a.m.

A lot of backslapping and hand shaking has been going on at Nellis Air Force Base this past week. Not only were two units on the base informed of an Air Force award, but 13 sergeants learned they had been promoted to chief master sergeant, the highest rank an enlisted person in the Air Force can achieve.

The men and women in the 99th Air Base Wing, which overseas daily operations at the base such as security, fire protection, housing, facilities management, personnel and pay, will get to add a little color to their dress uniform in the form of an Air Force Outstanding Unit ribbon.

The wing was applauded for its proactive management of "urban growth encroachment" issues arising due to the rapid development of the Las Vegas Valley. Urban growth is a problem for air bases nationwide, as growing communities exert pressure to develop aircraft noise and safety zones around bases.

The 53rd Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., which reports to the Air Warfare Center at Nellis, also received the Outstanding Unit Award for its work in training combat air forces in electronic warfare, armament and avionics, and chemical defense, as well as supporting several overseas contingency operations over the past year.

Nellis sergeants who are getting their final career stripe with promotion to chief master sergeant were Larry Gaer, Clinton Bess Jr., Nathan Dixon Jr., Michael Guthrie, Edward Lundberg, Larry Jones, James Wood, Royce Barron, Darryl Garrett, Patrick Whalen, Jamie Borkert, Garry Moore and Vincent Davis.

Operation Dear Abby

Operation Dear Abby, begun 16 years ago by Abigail Van Buren through her nationally syndicated column, encourages Americans to send cards and letters to service members stationed overseas during the holiday season. The letters, which must be sent first-class and weigh 13 ounces or less, should be addressed to:

The addresses will be valid until Jan. 15.