News Search

Col. Roberts wins Adjutant General’s Commander of the Year Award

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Joseph R. Stahl
  • 178 FW/PA
     Col. Harry "M.R." Roberts, 178th Fighter Wing Commander was selected for the state of Ohio's Adjutant General's Commander of the Year Award for 2010 .

     Col Roberts was selected for this award from all of Ohio's Air and Army National Guard commanders. The award ceremony was part of the annual Family Readiness Annual Conference held in Columbus, Ohio April 9-11, 2010.

     "It's an honor to receive this award for my support of our family programs." said Col. Roberts. Jane (Esprit) makes the program the great program that it is."
Ms. Jane Esprit, 178th Fighter Wing Family Programs Wing Coordinator nominated Col. Roberts for this award.

     "Col Roberts consistently shows his concern for our members and their families," said Debbie Falkenbach, a Family Readiness volunteer. "He is a true leader with his professional demeanor towards our family readiness group. He has allowed our group to excel from his leadership and support." 

     Col. Roberts was instrumental in the collaboration of the local Red Cross, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Springfield Family Exchange, Community Volunteer Recognition Program and various other community support events.

     The Family Readiness Program is designed to provide support for spouses and families of unit members who are deployed. They offer further support through home station events and classes. Support includes family financial issues, job related concerns and emotional stress classes.

     Some of the local unit events that the Family Readiness Program coordinates are unit family day, Air Guard Youth Camp, Family Christmas party, Home Town Heroes Salute, deployment send off's and homecomings, Bring Your Kid to Work Day, an annual golf outing, Strong Bonds/Marriage Enrichment events, Military Financial Planning classes and Grief Recovery workshops.

     "It is important to take care of families while the member is gone," said Col. Roberts of the importance of this program.