Faith Technologies and Mike Schmaling Presented With 2014 Air Force Association George W. Bush Award
National Award Recognizes Outstanding Civilian Employers
Menasha, Wis. (Sept. 16, 2014) – Faith Technologies and Mike Schmaling, operating manager for Faith Technologies and senior master sergeant, were recently awarded the 2014 Air Force Association (AFA) George W. Bush Award. The company, along with Schmaling, was recognized at a ceremony held during the AFA’s 2014 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition on Sept. 15 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
The George W. Bush Award highlights above-and-beyond contributions of both traditional and enlisted Air National Guard members. Civilian employers of those Guard members are also recognized for their outstanding contributions to the total force mission.
“We’d like to extend our thanks to Mike and all military personnel for all they do to serve our country,” said Mike Jansen, chief executive officer. “We feel a great sense of pride having employees who sacrifice their personal time to protect and defend the freedoms we enjoy. Mike and all our military members are a great asset to Faith Technologies.”
The AFA determines this recognition by evaluating the Guard member’s leadership qualities and the employer’s role in facilitating and supporting the Guard member’s level of volunteerism for overall military participation. The award has been presented to Guard members since 2005 and acknowledges those in two categories – officers and enlisted.
Schmaling is the first assigned Wing First Sergeant in the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard. He advises the commander on a wide range of topics, ensures supervisors set an appropriate example for subordinates, and also provides leadership and guidance to supervisors and members. Schmaling entered the Air Force in June 1994, and later joined the Air National Guard in January 2002. Schmaling has been stationed at locations in Mississippi, Ascension Island, Germany, Turkey, Guam, Afghanistan, Spain, Antarctica, and the Pentagon, primarily working within the communications and cyber career fields, and First Sergeant special duty assignments. Some of Schmaling’s major awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, and Meritorious Unit Award. Additional significant achievements include: 2006 Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, 2011 Richard Ira Bong Award, 2013 Air National Guard First Sergeant of the Year.