For Release: Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Contact: David Gillies: (202) 225-5661

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO MEETS WITH SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE AWARD WINNER, SENIOR AIRMAN JOHN HITCHENS

Washington - Senior Airman John J. Hitchens was recognized today by U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello, in his Washington D.C. office, for his efforts in securing a top Defense Department rating for Scott Air Force Base.

Airman Hitchens is a fitness specialist assigned to the 375th Services Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.  He was the driving force behind the Scott Fitness Center garnering the prestigious "Premier Status Award," recognizing it among the top 16 facilities in the Department of Defense. 

A key contributor to the 375th Wing receiving an "Excellent" rating during the 2005 Operational Readiness Inspection, Airman Hitchens was also selected as the 2005 Scott Air Force Base Airman of the Year.  Deployed to Qatar in 2005, Airman Hitchens participated in the Desert Honor Guard and served as Secretary for the Services Advisory Council.

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