2010 Chief of Staff Civic Leader Tour

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, Alaskan Command Commander, talks with Mr. Rich Hadley during an Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader visit to Alaska Command Aug. 9. The tour was to provide civic leaders an opportunity to experience firsthand the Alaska mission across the Joint Operating Area and provide an opportunity for interaction and networking among joint service members and civic leaders. (Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cynthia Spalding)

Civic Leader receives Distinguished Public Service Award

Published Feb. 23, 2011

WASHINGTON -- Mr. Rich Hadley received the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award during a ceremony Feb. 4 at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

The award, which is the highest honorary civilian award the Secretary of the Air Force may grant to a private citizen, was earned for his advocacy of Air Force issues and for his dedicated support of Airmen and their families while serving as a member of the Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program.

As an Air Force Civic Leader, Mr. Hadley served as an unpaid advisor, key communicator and advocate for Air Force issues. He provided ideas and feedback to the SecAF, Chief of staff, and other Air Force senior leaders about how missions can best be accomplished in his respective area and about public attitudes toward the Air Force and Air Force activities.

He was the interface between the Air Force and the civilian community near Fairchild AFB, Wash. In this role, he explained and interpreted Air Force programs, positions, and problems to other key communicators through his personal contacts and correspondence, and to the general public through statements, appearances and speeches.

Mr. Hadley is now an Emeritus member of the program but continues to serve as an advocate and ardent supporter of Airmen and their families.

The Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program is comprised of two representatives from nearly every major command, National Guard Bureau and Headquarters Air Force. Its members serve for a three-year term.