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F.E. Warren Airman receives Grateful Nation Award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Braydon Williams
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

Each year the Jewish Institute for National Security selects six individuals from our five military branches and U.S. Special Operations Command for the Grateful Nation Award for their superior conduct during the War on Terrorism.

Master Sgt. Daniel McKnight, 90th Civil Engineering Squadron Explosive Ordinance Disposal Flight NCO in charge, was the 2018 Air Force honoree.

“Earning this award was a shock to me,” said McKnight. “I never thought I would win something like this. I was recognized for something that hundreds of other EOD techs had experienced. I am truly appreciative of those who put me in for it and have supported me in my career as leaders, team members, mentors and friends.”

Recounting his time in the service McKnight passes some advice to the next generation of Airmen.

“Learn everything you can possibly learn from your leaders,” said McKnight. “Each one has their own story and experiences that you can only use to your advantage if you seek out their knowledge. Every one of us brings something to the fight, even those not in your [career field]. You can learn from just about anybody, but you have to be open to it.”

From the beginning, McKnight impressed his leadership.

“McKnight has impressed me since day one,” said Capt. Daniel Lamb, 90 CES. “He has led from the front throughout his career. This award is well deserved recognition of his dedication to the mission and his numerous sacrifices in the defense of our country.”

Chief Master Sgt. Kris Farve, 90th Missile Wing command chief, spoke about the exceptional leadership he has witnessed from McKnight.

“When I asked McKnight about the award he immediately scans the room for members of his team and passes the credit along to them, that my friends, is what a leader looks like,” said Farve.