MSgt. Charles N. MANDERS, Jr., 2002

MANDERS

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 8/15/2012 at 20:46:59

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, September 19, 2002

SERVICE NEWS ~ MASTER SERGEANT CHARLES N. MANDERS Jr.

A Columbus Air Force Base non-commisioned officer was surprised with an extra strip for his hard work and dedication for the Air Force mission with a Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotion recently.

Tech. Sgt. Charles N. MANDERS, Jr., 14th Security Forces Squadron, received the promotion to master sergeant from Major General James Sandstrom, 19th Air Force commander. Sandstrom gave the stripe during a surprise visit to the security forces squadron during their commander's call while he was visiting Columbus Air Force Base for the wing change of command.

MANDERS is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. MANDERS of Sun Valley Lake.

Among MANDERS' many accomplishments was being handpicked to fill the security forces administration position. a job normally filled by a master sergeant. He also was the wing's lead NCO in organizing all security, parking and escorting for the base's 2001 Air Show and organized National Police Week activities attended by over 80 local agencies.

"Without any hesitation I can say this is the proudest day of my life," said MANDERS. "I am honored to become part of an elite group, the senior NCO corps. The best part of this promotion is what it will allow me to continue to do what I love best -- serve my country in her time of need."

The new stripe comes at a perfect time for MANDERS, who was facing retirement.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2012