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Scott colonel receives air traffic control award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tristin English
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Col. William Malec, Air Mobility Command Airspace and Airfield Operations Division Headquarters chief, received the Air Traffic Control Association's George W. Kriske Memorial Award Oct. 5 at the association's annual awards luncheon in National Harbor, Md. 

The award is named for George W. Kriske, a long-time federal air traffic controller who served more than 37 years of government service. The annual award recognizes an individual for an outstanding career which has added to the quality, safety or efficiency of air traffic control. 

"I lead a staff of air traffic control and airfield management professionals that provides policy and oversight at AMC's 13 bases and to more than 700 assigned air traffic controllers and airfield managers," said Colonel Malec. 

Like the award's namesake, Colonel Malec also got his start as a radio operator. He enlisted in December 1968 and after completing ground radio operator technical training at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., he had various assignments as a radio operator at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, Clark Air Base, Philippines, and Albrook Air Force Station, Panama Canal Zone. 

After his promotion to technical sergeant, Colonel Malec decided to separate after almost 12 years of service to pursue a commission as an Air Force officer. In 1982 he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and assigned as an air traffic control officer, receiving basic air traffic control training at Keesler AFB and advanced ATC officer training at Tyndall AFB, Fla., where he was named a distinguished graduate. 

During his more than 27 tours in the ATC career field, Colonel Malec has commanded, led and mentored air traffic controllers, airfield managers and weather specialists, as well as managed control towers, radar and weather facilities and airfields in the U.S., overseas and while deployed. In addition, he has served a tour assisting in the Air Force's acquisition of ATC and landing systems and unmanned aerial vehicle research and development. 

"While it's great to be recognized for long-term performance from my peers," said Colonel Malec. "I couldn't have done it without plenty of support from family, supervisors, peers and subordinates along the way." 

"The Air Traffic Control Association is keenly aware of the role the military plays as both a global flying customer and provider of air traffic services as well. As such, they're always eager to recognize their military counterparts and I was blessed to be nominated by my boss, Maj. Gen. Brooks Bash, AMC's director of Air, Space and Information Operations," he added. 

Colonel Malec is also a member the Air Force Communicators and Air Traffic Controllers Association. He was recently inducted into their Hall of Honor, Class of 2009, along with six other senior communications officers, during the association's annual awards banquet at Grand Island, N.Y.