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Cannon heroes honored

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chip Slack
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Lt. Gen. Brad Heithold, Commander Air Force Special Operations Command, along with members of the Rotary District 5520, presented four Cannon Air Commandos awards of appreciation at the Rotary District Conference “Heroes’ Dinner” at the Clovis Civic Center, Friday.
“I deeply appreciate how you have treated our Airmen,” said Heithold. “I appreciate the environment that you have helped us build so the Air Commandos at Cannon can thrive. Today, we are honoring four courageous teammates who are very proud of what they do, just as we are proud of them.”

The honorees included:
Lt. Col. Christian Lichter, 524th Special Operations Squadron pilot
Staff Sgt. Nathan Gopoian, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance detail
Staff Sgt. Daniel Cutrell, 26th Special Tactics Squadron combat controller
Senior Airman Cornell Nelson, 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron defender

Each Air Commando was honored independently for their valor, dedication to the mission and embodiment of the warrior ethos.

Distinguished guests and members of the local community applauded each member after their individual service accolades were read and they were presented with their awards.

Concluding the evening, Lonnie Leslie, Rotary District Governor, presented Lt. Gen. Heithold with a donation in his name.

“What we would like to do, in representation of everyone that serves in your command, is make a donation to Polio Plus with enough funds to inoculate 250 children in the world and help make a difference in their lives; just as you, and the four honorees have made a difference in ours,” said Leslie.

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