Edwards supporter wins AF competition for humanitarian award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mike Young
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A patron and long-time supporter of Team Edwards was selected July 30 to represent the Air Force for a military-wide award.

Aida O'Connor of Lancaster, Calif., won the Air Force competition for the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award for 2007.

"I felt many had done much more than I have," Mrs. O'Connor said. "I was quite proud and content with the idea that the fine Team Edwards folks nominated me."

The humanitarian award is given to people who demonstrate the esteemed tradition and personal qualities of generosity and selfless dedication represented by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher.

Mr. and Mrs. Fisher were well known for creating the Fisher House program, where they dedicated more than $20 million for the construction of homes for families of hospitalized military personnel.

"Every time I see a young man or woman in uniform, I see someone who truly deserves to be honored," Mrs. O'Connor said. "They give so much and ask so little; it is the least I can do."

Mrs. O'Connor was one of the early founding members of the Edwards Civilian-Military Support Group, whose primary focus is providing additional support to Team Edwards military members and their families.

"She has been the spiritual center of the group since it first began in 1989," said Maj. Gen. Curtis Bedke, Air Force Flight Test Center commander.

Mrs. O'Connor created, sponsored and planned many projects centered on the welfare of young Airmen and Marines working in the Antelope Valley. These include goodie bags for deployed troops, food baskets during the holidays and Red Cross activities.

"From the day I was born, I was taught respect and love for my country," Mrs. O'Connor said. "Our family has stepped forward in every conflict for the past 100 years. I believe it to be my personal duty to pass this responsibility on to my children and grandchildren."

Mrs. O'Connor has grandsons in both the Air Force and Marines.

Recently, she led the support group to raise more than $30,000 for the Higher Grounds Internet Cafe, where Edwards Airmen and Marines can get away and relax.

In addition to being an honorary AFFTC commander, Mrs. O'Connor was also named an honorary command chief.

"She's been concerned about the morale and welfare of the enlisted men and their families, and that's what command chiefs do," said Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, 95th Air Base Wing command chief.

Mrs. O'Connor's generosity also spanned across the globe as she collected and delivered thousands of pairs of footwear for Afghan children in need, General Bedke said.

"She is a classy and fun woman with a huge heart," General Bedke said. "We all love her for who she is, as much as for what she does."