Major wins AFMC nomination to AFA's Schilling award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  An Edwards officer was recently nominated to represent Air Force Materiel Command for this year's Air Force Association David Schilling Award. 

Maj. Gary Eilers, 445th Flight Test Squadron assistant director of Operations, received the David Schilling nomination for his outstanding contribution to national defense in the field of manned flight in the atmosphere or space and to the area of policy or procedure that advanced flight activity. 

"I am extremely honored and humbled for being recognized by AFMC and nominated for the David Schilling award," said Major Eilers, who is currently deployed at Iraq. "Daily, across the globe, I witness outstanding contributions Airmen make not only towards our nation's defense, but that of other nations." 

As part of his accomplishments, Major Eilers directed more than 3,600 flight hours involving more than 120 Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, NASA and contractor personnel flying on four ranges. As a chief test pilot for the $1.8 billion alternative fuel program, he helped certify the use of the fuel for B-52 Stratofortress. The major was handpicked to lead a C-5 Galaxy safety investigation. His leadership and technical knowledge kept four major T-38 Talon and Cessna 208 test programs on schedule and under budget. In addition, Major Eilers reviewed aircraft crash data and helped identify an aileron failure preventing future T-38 accidents. 

Major Eilers led a missile integration team and delivered Iraq's only armed fixed-wing capability. He planned and executed safe and effective flight test of the Iraqi armed Caravan program in four months. He also used performance and flying qualities testing to garner Federal Aviation Administration-type certification for the Iraqi Armed Caravan. He trained Air Force and Iraqi air force aircrew for complex close-air support missions. 

"Through the Coalition Air Force Training Team's role as advisors and trainers of the Iraqi air force, we are creating history in the development of Iraq's new air force," Major Eilers said. "Through the use of the Iraqi Combat Caravan, we are teaching and employing Iraq's kinetic capability, ensuring the nation's future air sovereignty." 

According to Col. Michael Panarisi, 412th Operations Group commander, he is proud to have such an outstanding individual on his team at the 412th OG. 

"His exceptional performance and dedication to duty earned him the coveted AFMC nomination fo rhte David Schilling award, which recognizes the most outstanding contribution in the field of flight," Colonel Panarisi said. "His efforts were pivotal in the United States' mission to transition defense of Iraq to the Iraqi air force." 

Major Eilers said he is proud of this achievement. 

"Having the skills and abilities to protect and defend my nation when called upon, as well as building nations with fledgling aviation programs epitomizes the word 'Airman,' and it is that this award means to me," he said.