108th ARW wins the Rusty Metcalf Trophy for 2008 Published June 11, 2009 By Brian Carson 108th Public Affairs Office June 11, 2009 -- The 108th Air Refueling Wing has recently been awarded the Rusty Metcalf Trophy for demonstrating the highest standards of mission accomplishment for the year of 2008. To be considered for this award, units are evaluated in the areas of exercises and deployments, human resources, accident rate history, accident prevention and significant accomplishments during the award period. During 2008, the 108th ARW deployed over 200 unit personnel world-wide in support of assignments on four continents and thirteen countries. Currently, the 108th has filled over 4400 deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle and Jump Start. The wing executed over 5,000 mishap-free flying hours supporting these missions. In addition to the exemplary mission accomplishments, the 108th ARW was also very active in the local community through the supporting of New Jersey's Vineland Veterans Home, and the annual veterans "Stand Down" which supports homeless veterans. "Everyone in the wing can take justifiable pride in winning the Metcalf Trophy. said Lt. Col. Lawrence Klein, 108th ARW Safety Officer. Every flight, squadron and group contributed in some way to the accomplishments that earned this award for the second time in seven years." The official presentation of the award will take place in September, 2009. The 108th also won this award in 2003.