352nd SOG medic first winner of new award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Marelise Wood
  • 352nd Special Operations Group Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  A 352nd Special Operations Group independent duty medical technician was awarded the Air Commando Association Chief Master Sgt. Roland "Hap" Lutz Air Commando Medic of the Year award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to special operations medicine.

Master Sgt. William Ward was presented the award by Lutz himself, during the ACA's Annual Reunion Banquet, in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Oct. 8.

Ward has earned numerous achievements during his career, including Air Force Special Operations Command's 2008 IDMT of the Year Award, but he said the ACA award holds special meaning.

Lutz is the "father of Air Force special operations force medicine," Ward said. "Reading his biography is reading what we, as medics, all want to be. [Lutz] paved the way for medics like me so we could do the things that we do today. He laid that foundation for us, so actually meeting him and getting presented the award by him was a great honor."

Many people who know Ward say he is well on his way to creating his own legacy.

In addition to creating a tactical combat casualty care training program that was adopted by NATO - a first of its kind - and providing timely and skilled medical care to service members in deployed environments, Ward also coordinated medical support for air, land and sea assets during special operations multinational exercises. During multiple exercises, organizers requested Ward by name.

"We are extremely proud of Sergeant Ward's accomplishments," said Col. Gary McCollum, 352nd SOG commander. "His innovation and commitment to excellence are what we expect of all our air commandos."