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179th Airlift Wing wife recognized nationally

  • Published
  • By Capt. Nicole L. Ashcroft
  • 179th AW Chief of Public Affairs
MANSFIELD, Ohio --  Through volunteering countless hours in support of the 179th Airlift Wing and selflessly providing philanthropic support for numerous community organizations, Molly A. McCue has earned national recognition by being selected as the Air National Guard nominee for the 2013 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award.

The award recognizes spouses of military members for their significant contributions to the Air Force. This prestigious award, sponsored by the Air Force Association, honors the late Joan Orr, wife of former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr. As the Air National Guard nominee, McCue will compete against an Air Force Active Duty nominee and Air Force Reserve nominee.

As a social worker, McCue, wife of Col. Gary A. McCue, 179th Airlift Wing commander, has built a life providing selfless service to others. Although she doesn't have a military background, becoming part of the 179th Airlift Wing military family was a seamless and natural transition.

"I love my military life. The military is such a great family and I'm happy to be part of it." said McCue.

By using her relationship and organizational skills, McCue revitalized the long dormant 179th Airlift Wing's Officer Spouse's Group. McCue attends wing deployment functions and makes phone calls to families of deployed members to provide support and encouragement for Airmen and their families. Understanding the importance of resiliency, she attends Yellow Ribbon activities to provide additional support for unit members and their families.

"We have a blended family and I work full-time outside of the home. I understand the struggles our military members face when balancing work, family and military," said McCue. "I am honored and proud to provide positive support for our military family."

McCue has been a tremendous 179th Airlift Wing advocate by attending annual National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) conferences, senior leader conferences and actively participating in the spouse programs.

Exemplifying the Air Force Core Values, McCue extends her own helping hand to members of the 179th Airlift Wing and local community. As a committed volunteer at the Richland County Women's Domestic Violence Shelter, she helps provide victims education and resources necessary for intervention and prevention of violence. She also volunteers as a teacher helper/tutor at nearby Bellville Elementary School and is active in "Connections", an organization that raises scholarship and grant funds for needy, deserving students.

"I am honored and humbled to be selected as the Air National Guard nominee," said McCue. "I am proud to stand by my husband and have the opportunity to support my military family."

The Air Force Association will announce the 2013 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award recipient this summer.

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