2009 National Defense Space Award Recipient: AF Captain McGrew

“Captain McGrew has proven the effectiveness of what he teaches while deployed to Iraq,” said Bolton. While in Iraq, McGrew was responsible for integrating space capabilities to protect friendly forces, monitor mission operations and collect sensitive information.

McGrew, who is stationed at the Air Force Special Operations School at Hurlburt Field, Florida, directs the Space Applications for Special Operations Course and has developed lessons in personnel recover, missile warning, missile defense and counter-space for over 1,000 students. He also developed space threat lessons for the Air Force Academy and National Air and Space Intelligence Center.

“The NSC is proud to recognize Captain McGrew for his outstanding leadership and major contributions to our national defense and NASA’s space exploration mission,” said NSC Chairman Roy Tharpe. Tharpe, along with Bolton, will present the award to McGrew at the luncheon.

“Captain McGrew established a vital link to synchronize information with the Combined Space Operations Center and developed an integration of missile operations for tactical units that is still used today,” added Bolton. “His procedures greatly increased the protection of 420,000 war fighters.”

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About the Award

The Florida National Defense Space Award was created in 2005 by the National Space NSCFL Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made by Depa
rtment of Defense (DoD) personnel while on duty in the State of Florida.  The award celebrates major contributions of DoD active duty military, DoD civilians and DoD contractors in space-related areas that significantly contribute to the defense of our nation.

Nominees for this award can come from any DoD or contractor organization and any level within their organization in the State of Florida.  Nominees may include active duty DoD officers and enlisted personnel, DoD civil servants, and contractors directly performing for the DoD in a space-related area.  The intent of this award is to honor individuals, who, through their duty while stationed in Florida, make major contributions to the defense of our nation in a space-related area.

At an appropriate ceremony, each honoree, or their designee, will be presented with a plaque that the recipient will keep.  Also, each honoree’s name and date of award will be inscribed on a separate plaque that will be maintained by the Space NSCFL to honor the recipients of all previous awards.  Each year the Space NSCFL will request nominations through public announcements, it’s web site, and letters to senior commanders of major DoD installations in Florida.  Nominations may be accepted from any person within a DoD or DoD contractor organization in Florida.  The Space NSCFL reserves the right to validate facts from senior officials.    

DOD Award on Display in Tallahassee Capitol Bldg Fl 22

Criteria for Selection

1. Must be a United States DoD active duty officer or enlisted member, or active DoD civil servant, or contractor performing for the DoD.
2. Accomplishments cited in the award nomination must be accomplished while stationed in the State of Florida.
3. Accomplishments must significantly contribute to the success of the defense of our nation in a space-related area.
4. Accomplishments may include, but are not limited to, either leadership or technical achievement areas.

Past Award Recipients