160th Training Battalion receives Parker Award

By Sgt. 1st Class Jason Cauley
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Public Affairs

Fort Rucker, AL – A Night Stalker battalion received a top active-duty aviation award at this year’s Lt. Gen. Ellis D. Parker Awards February 2nd.

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Training Battalion earned the Best Table of Distribution and Allowances Award at the annual ceremony that recognizes superior aviation units in the areas of leadership, training, maintenance and safety.

“This is an incredible honor to be nominated by the command and recognized by the aviation branch as Lt. Gen. Ellis D. Parker award winners,” said Lt. Col. Brian Hughes, battalion commander.

Hughes was quick to give credit to the Soldiers, civilians and contractors under his command, saying “Special Operations is all about training to tasks, conditions and standards – and this unit sets the standard for all new Night Stalkers to attain.”

The award was presented by Gen. Richard Cody, retired Master Aviator and event guest speaker, who stated he was honored to take part in the event.

“This is significant, in a time of war, to recognize these Soldiers,” said Cody. “Over the last two days I’ve gotten the chance to look at the [Aviation] branch, and it is strong.”

Hughes believes adamantly that the strength of his battalion lies in the collective dedication of the men and women of SOATB.

“Professionalism of Operators in the SOF community is the norm. The intangible about the members of this command, and I believe a major reason why we won this award, is the absolute “buy in” from everybody,” said Hughes. “Every member of SOATB truly believes in what they are doing because they understand how hard our units are fighting and in what demanding environmental and threat conditions they are fighting in. Without that understanding, this would be just a job, and we would never have been able to fly as much, as safely, maintained or trained to the quality expected of Night Stalkers.”

Recipients

• Overall Winner: 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, Fort Stewart, GA.
• Best Combat Battalion: 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, Fort Campbell, KY.
• Best Combat Support Battalion: 2nd Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, Fort Riley, KS.
• Best Table of Distribution and Allowances: 160th Special Operations Training Battalion, Fort Campbell, KY.