Scott Airmen honored at USO Salutes to Heroes Published April 18, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Joshua Eikren 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The USO of Missouri hosted its annual Salute to Heroes dinner Tuesday in St. Louis. Eight Team Scott Airmen were recognized with awards during the event. The honorees were selected by their peers because of their accomplishments during 2011. "I was actually embarrassed when my unit proposed submitting the package," said Staff Sgt. Robert Ancheta, 375th Aerospace Medicine Squadron technician. "But the USO is amazing, there is no way to describe the support that they show their warfighters upon deploying and especially when returning. To be honored by them is incredible." Ancheta, who is a native of El Paso, Texas, is one of five Airmen from the 375th AMW receiving an award. Others recognized were Master Sgt. Mathias Gassen VI and Tech Sgt. Robert Kilburn, both from 375th Communications Support Squadron; Staff Sgt. Jeremy Rivera, 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron; and Senior Airman Kole Kribs, 375th Security Forces Squadron. In addition, Master Sgt. David Pinkham, 932nd Civil Engineer Squadron; Marine Sgt. Richard Bueno, U.S. Transportation Command; and Senior Airman Trenton Campbell, 932nd CES, were honored. Kilburn, who is a native of Belleville, Ill., said, "I'm surrounded by great leadership, outstanding fellow NCOs and Airmen, and therefore I truly feel I'm a product of my environment" Winning these awards does not stop them here as they push Air Force standards. Kribs, a native of Chester, Ill., said, "This award motivates me to keep looking straight ahead to accomplish the mission to the best of my ability." For more information and photos visit: www.usomissouri.org.