Air National Guard squadron earns Outstanding on ORI Published May 8, 2007 By Lt. Col. Nancy Reid 141st Air Refueling Wing Cheney, Wash. -- The 256th Combat Communications Squadron completed a rigorous seven-day evaluation of wartime skills and military effectiveness by a 17-member Air Force Inspector General team. The inspection team chief, Col. George J. Duda, Langley Air Force Base, Va., announced the unit's overall grade was an Outstanding, the highest possible level. More than 21 unit members were named superior team and individual performers. Tech. Sgt. Jodi Cleven, of Spokane, Wash., received the Inspector General's prestigious Silver Coin award, which is presented to truly exceptional performers. "We were truly impressed with the professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication to the mission displayed," said Colonel Duda. We would be proud to go to war and fight side by side with your unit anytime, anyplace." The 256th CBCS operates near Cheney, Wash., on Needham Hill at the Four Lakes Communications Station originally developed in 1955 by the U.S. Army as a Nike missile battery. The squadron has more than 100 assigned personnel from the local area and is led by Lt. Col. Mark S. Sweitzer. The unit provides sustained communications capabilities (satellite, radio, voice, data and computer networks) in support of expeditionary air and space operations to include civil, incident, disaster and contingency support to the governor of Washington.
