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10th ABW commander nominated for O'Malley Award

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  The 10th Air Base Wing commander and his wife were nominated for the 2013 Gen. and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award, Academy officials announced Tuesday.

Col. Tim Gibson and Nancy Gibson were nominated in part for their support of the Air Force Academy and Colorado Springs community during the Waldo Canyon Fire, which forced the first evacuation in the Academy's history.

"Colonel and Mrs. Gibson are the embodiment of the Air Force core values and have earned the respect of everyone here in the Academy community for their consistently demonstrated love for their country, our Air Force and their fellow Airmen," wrote Academy Vice Superintendent Col. Tamra Rank in a statement nominating the Gibsons.

Colonel Gibson discussed his decision to evacuate the Academy June 26 during a town hall meeting July 2.

"Even the most pessimistic forecasts didn't compare to what happened," he said. "Queens Canyon was the primary defensive line. The fire jumped over Queens Canyon and spread 3 miles to the east. The hairs on the back of my neck started going up."

Personnel with the 10th Security Forces Squadron oversaw the evacuation. Later during the firefighting effort, 10th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters proved instrumental in containing part of the fire that spread onto the Academy, saving more than 20 homes in Peregrine Hills and a water treatment facility.

Mrs. Gibson serves as an adviser on the board of the Academy Spouses Club, which instituted a yellow-and-red ribbon giveaway in July to support military and civilian firefighters.

The family also presided over a joint military adoption fair panel to help Airmen and Soldiers work through the adoption process.

As the 10th ABW commander, Colonel Gibson oversees more than 3,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel who conduct base-level activities including security, civil engineering, communications, logistics, finance, contracting, chaplain support, legal services, lodging, medical services, personnel and force support for a community of more than 25,000. He oversees a $150-million annual operating budget and serves as crisis action team commander during contingency operations.

Named in honor of O'Malley and his wife who were known for their leadership and contributions to Air Force families and communities, the annual award recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the nation, Air Force and local community best exemplify the highest ideals and positive leadership of a military couple in a key Air Force position.