WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The Exercise Tiger Association awarded Team Whiteman a unit and individual award during the 22nd Annual Adopt A Warrior program at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Dec. 12, 2020.
The national foundation began in 1998 and focuses on honoring military members for their outstanding achievements and meritorious service, and carries the legacy of the 201 Missouri-native service members who lost their life during The Battle of Exercise Tiger, during World War II on April 28th, 1944.
“It is a privilege to nominate one of our very own “Tigers” and honor a legacy of the great service members who paid the ultimate price to advance the D-Day invasion at Normandy,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Conant, 393rd Bomb Squadron commander. “When thinking of who to nominate, we instantly thought of Stinson. His outstanding work ethic, warrior ethos and professionalism are more than deserving of this recognition.”
Along with six other service members from various installations, Team Whiteman’s very own U.S. Air Force Col. Kyle J. Wilson, 509th Bomb Wing vice commander, and Tech. Sgt. Justin Stinson, 393rd BS superintendent, received a unit and individual award with four medals during the event.
“It was a very humbling experience,” said Stinson. “Each nominee did some outstanding things. To be on the stage with them was an honor. The prior veterans and the Major General was the icing on the cake for me. To stand amongst that much military experience, share stories and learn from them was unbelievable.”
To learn more about the National Tiger Association, visit http://www.exercisetiger.org/exercise-tiger-association.html.