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720th STG member presented DeProspero Lifetime Achievement Award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Salanitri
  • Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  A member of the 720th Special Tactics Group was presented a prestigious civilian award Feb. 8, 2011 in Washington.

Wayne Norrad, a retired Air Force chief master sergeant and former Command Chief of Air Force Special Operations Command, was presented the National Defense Industrial Association Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict Division - DeProspero Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award is named after Col. Al DeProspero, and honors a single individual for distinctive lifetime achievements in the areas of Special Operations or Low Intensity Conflict, according to the NDIA website.

"The Airmen of the 720th Special Tactics Group are incredibly proud of Mr. Norrad for winning this national-level, lifetime achievement award," said Col. Robert Armfield, 720 STG commander. "Exemplifying our core values, Wayne continues to selflessly spearhead the advancement of AFSOC, the joint force and support to our families."

By winning the award, Mr. Norrad joined an exclusive list of past recipients: a four-star general, a Navy captain and a congressman.

"I knew I was being put in for the award, but I didn't think I had a shot of actually winning it," Mr. Norrad said. "When I found out I got the award, I looked up past winners--it's an honor to be among those men."

Mr. Norrad entered the combat control career field in 1971. During his active duty career he earned the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal, two Air Force Achievement Medals, Air Force Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon as well as earned master parachutist, freefall jumpmaster, combat diver badges and basic enlisted aircrew wings.

Following his retirement in 1997, Mr. Norrad wasn't done with the special operations community. Not only is he a member of the 720 STG, he also volunteers his time to support the families of fallen and wounded Special Operations members.

"One of the greatest things I've done since retiring is being the first enlisted member elected to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation Board of Directors," Mr. Norrad said. "Getting to raise money so that children of our fallen special operations warriors can go to college--well that's something that means a lot to me."

Well known throughout the AFSOC community, his leadership wasn't surprised to hear the news.

"He is truly deserving of this recognition," Colonel Armfield said. "It's an honor to serve with him every day."