Heraldic device symbolizes Fairchild's pride Published July 10, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Connie L. Bias 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- History. Community. Mobility. Expeditionary Airmen. These are just a few words that describe Fairchild and the 92nd Air Refueling Wing. Just as they apply to the wing, they apply to the wing's heraldic device, a small but important plaque that combines Fairchild's rich heritage, strong stand in the current day and promising future. "Heraldic devices can be traced back to the 12th century, when military units had a distinctive coat of arms displayed on their shields," explained Dan Simmons, 92nd ARW historian. "Combatants wearing armor were hard to identify during close-in battles, so the coat of arms helped identify friend or foe." Today, a heraldic device also identifies a unit and represents their heritage, said Mr. Simmons. "In that respect, it's similar to a personal logo. Its presence at events notifies attendees the wing is represented. Although the wing emblem has a similar function, the heraldic device is a more descriptive representation of specific heritage events in the wing's history as well as current missions." Fairchild's wooden tablet showcases an outline of Washington that encloses a KC-135 Stratotanker tail and depictions of the clock tower and pavilion in Spokane, Wash., which speak to continual and outstanding support from community citizens and leaders. All of the wing's past names and aircraft are also printed on the plaque, with associated historical dates. A battle-ready Airman stands heroically on the plaque, symbolizing the readiness, professionalism and commitment of wing personnel. A globe symbolizes the wing's worldwide mobility capability, and the Air Force core values - integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do - are imprinted upon the plaque. Finally, a silver goblet symbolizes a wing toast to 2nd Lt. John "Red" Morgan for his heroism and embodiment of our core values. Lieutenant Morgan, who was a B-17 copilot for the 92nd Bombardment Group in the 40s, is the only Medal of Honor recipient in the wing's history; he earned the medal for his heroic life-saving actions during a bombing mission over Germany in July, 1943. The emblematic heraldic device will accompany Col. Thomas Sharpy, 92nd ARW commander, to the upcoming 18th Air Force commanders and command chiefs conference at Dover Air Force Base, Del., where the commander will share the device's historical significance with other conference attendees. "This plaque is a very unique way to show pride in the wing - past and present," said Mr. Simmons.