Moody Airman receives Shine Fighter Pilot Award

  • Published
  • By Jon Stock
  • Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON --  Maj. Michael Stock, an Air Force A-10 pilot from the 23rd Fighter Group, was presented the 2010 Lt. Col. Anthony Shine Fighter Pilot Award during a ceremony at Moody Air Force Base recently.

The Shine Award is given annually to recognize an outstanding Air Force fighter pilot who has proven excellence and professionalism in flying a tactical fighter aircraft and has demonstrated dedication to community service.

"Maj. Stock is a sterling example of this dual commitment," said Colleen Shine, daughter of Lt. Col. Shine, whom the award is in honor of. "Not only is Maj. Stock an exceptional pilot, but an exceptional man. He is a formidable fighter pilot and father of four who has also devoted precious time to serve in his community."

"I am honored, and sincerely humbled, to even have been considered for such a prestigious award," said Stock. "I am grateful for the opportunity to work and deploy alongside the outstanding men and women of the A-10 community."

Maj. Gen Charles Lyon, Headquarters Air Combat Command director of operations, was also present during the ceremony and offered his appreciation for the Airmen and their families, who both make sacrifices when their families are away from each other.

Stock added, "Protecting ground troops, and allowing them the opportunity to reunite with their families, is what the A-10 community lives for. These ground forces are the true heroes, and some of the bravest people that I've ever met."

The Shine Award is also a reminder of the POW/MIA commitment to bring each service member back home. Colleen Shine's mother established the award when her husband didn't return home from the Vietnam War. For more than 30 years, the award has focused attention on the plight of America's prisoners and missing in Southeast Asia, while simultaneously honoring the USAF top gun for commitment and excellence -- in flying and living.

In 1972, Colonel Shine, an A-7 pilot, disappeared above the border of North Vietnam and Laos, and was Missing in Action for 24 years. In 1996, the colonel's remains were repatriated and the Shine family was able to honor his sacrifice with a military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery.

Col. Shine's daughter continues to raise awareness of those who are POWs or MIA. "There are still 1,666 Americans unaccounted for," she said. "Not just statistics, but husbands, fathers, brothers and sons who are missed and loved and remembered. There are now over 600 U.S. personnel both military and civilian, working full time to account for America's POW/MIAs not only from Vietnam, but also World War II and Korea."

For more information, visit the National League of American POW/MIA website at www.powmialeague.org. The organization's Combined Federal Campaign number is 10218.