452D AMW Celebrates its Airman Published March 9, 2018 By Capt. Perry Covington 452 AMW/PA As members of the 452D Air Mobility Wing walked into hangar 2305 they didn't know what the night had in store for them. It was once again time for the annual Outstanding Airman of the Year banquet and in years past the event had always stuck to a rigid script. This year was different. For one, the event was being held in a hangar, an event that typically calls the Hap Arnold Club home. The attire for the night was also different, ABUs instead of Blues, a welcomed change for many. While the event proceedings might have been different, the intent remained the same, to honor and celebrate the outstanding airman of the 452. "At the end of the day it's about the people," said First Sergeant Master Sergeant Neil Ballecer. "You can have this event out in a field and it wouldn't matter, it's about recognizing the people." That was certainly the attitude of the banquet goers of the evening. The celebration was loud and raucous and each airman recognized felt the love from their wing in spades. "This is one of my favorite events," said Col. Matthew Burger, Commander 452D Air Mobility Wing. "This makes all the hard work worth it. Recognizing our people who give all that they have to our wing, is absolutely worth it."