An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Two 618th TACC members to be honored by USO of Missouri

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Justin Brockhoff
  • 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Two Air Force officers assigned to the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center were honored as heroes by the USO of Missouri during a ceremony, Saturday.

Lt. Col. Rob Ricci and Capt. Gregory Boschert were selected as 2008 "Salute to Heroes" award recipients by the organization which represents USO affairs across the state of Missouri and in four Illinois counties.

Colonel Ricci, the 618th TACC Command and Control Directorate deputy director, and Captain Boschert, the 618th TACC Global Channel Directorate Channel Cargo Systems Director, were selected to receive the award for their service at home station and while deployed overseas in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

"I am honored to receive this award from the USO of Missouri, especially given the fact my wife [Lt. Col. Kimberly Joos] is from Missouri," said Colonel Ricci, a command pilot with more than 3,500 hours in C-130 and T-38 aircraft. "This award represents the many long hours and trying times in the face of an armed enemy that my team took on for a year in Afghanistan."

Colonel Ricci's team consisted of approximately 80 personnel from varying backgrounds with the goal of provincial rebuilding in Afghanistan. He is credited with command of 310 ground-assault convoys, development of a training course for Afghan National Police, and receiving approval for 54 construction projects totaling more than $28 million. Under his leadership, allied forces delivered more than 6,000 tons of food and clothing to 40,000 Afghan flood victims and constructed a tuberculosis clinic that provides much-needed health care in the region.

"No TB clinics existed in eastern Afghanistan and it was an issue that had to be addressed," added Colonel Ricci. "With an approximate 70 percent positive test rate for TB in the region, the clinic will serve all the people of Afghanistan and is one of the deep-rooted measures the U.S. is taking to assist with long-tem healthcare and reconstruction in the region."

Captain Boschert also deployed to Afghanistan, serving as a Brigade Logistics Officer and mentor for Afghan National Army Forces. His efforts include command of more than 250 assault convoys with zero U.S. or allied casualties, and leading logistic support for more than 120 personnel dispersed at 21 locations. He also coordinated the delivery of more than 2,400 pounds of school and medical supplies to eight Afghan villages. While at his home station with the 618th TACC, Captain Boschert coordinated more than 3,500 airlift missions, resulting in 326 billion pounds of cargo delivered to U.S. and allied forces around the world.

"It's a great honor to be given this award by the USO," said Captain Boschert, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and 18th Air Force's 2007 Company Grade Officer of the Year. "Their support provides great comfort to the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen deployed around the world, and it's truly humbling to be recognized by them." 

Tech. Sgt. Manuel Herrera, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposial technician and Airman 1st Class Noah Klarr, 375th Medical Group medical logisitcs journeyman were also recognized by the USO of Missouri.