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On Feb. 13, 2017, MCpl Jesse Sorensen was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal from the United States Air Force (USAF) for meritorious service from April 1, 2011, to July 9, 2016.
Sorensen is currently serving in the Combined Air Operations Centre at 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg, Man.
The commendation was presented by BGen Chad Manske, the deputy commander of the Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Region (CANR), and deputy commander of the Combined/Joint Force Air Component commander at 1 Canadian Air Division.
The citation, signed by Gen Herbert J. Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, reads as follows:
“Master Corporal Jesse A. Sorensen distinguished himself by meritorious service to the United States as Non-Comissioned Officer in Charge, 963d Airborne Air Control Squadron, 552d Operations Group, 552d Air Control Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. During this period, Corporal Sorensen led 20 airmen, ensuring members were trained, ready and equipped in order to meet the needs of combatant commanders.
Additionally, he led the squadron’s current operations section, where he tackled the complex implementation of the squadron’s 2,200 hours of combat training. As a tactical expert, Corporal Sorensen logged 649 hours of flight time in support of the wing’s annual training requirements and returned 14 aircrew members to flight status.
Furthermore, he served as the squadron’s sole E-3G [Sentry aircraft] certified instructor senior surveillance technician where his efforts were instrumental in certifying crew members on the next-generation E-3G Airborne Warning and Control System.
His efforts were critical in enabling the squadron to certify its members on the 2.9 billion dollar upgrade and were instrumental in facilitating the wing’s effort to achieve initial operational capability. The distinctive accomplishments of Corporal Sorensen reflect credit upon himself, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and his country.
Congratulations, Master Corporal Sorensen!”
Your picture of the presentation must be WRONG. The presenting officer is obviously a CANADIAN officer!!!
Hi Paul,
We looked into it, and here is a clarification from the RCAF:
Brigadier General Chad Manske (USAF) is the Deputy Commander – Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC). He works at 1 Canadian Air Division / Canadian NORAD Region Headquarters … He is wearing the 1 Canadian Air Division heraldic crest patch on his shoulder, and has the Canadian NORAD Region patch on his right breast pocket, but has a USAF flight suit on.
You will notice the American General has “Star” on his flught suit instead of a Maple Leaf like a Canadian General.
Wonderful work, certainly worthy of promotion to higher ranks one would hope.
Not to mention American rank on his shoulder.