Reservists awarded Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal Published Feb. 8, 2015 By Air Force Personel Center TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Members of the 507th Air Refueling Wing are now authorized to wear the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal as operations here are in direct support of nuclear deterrence operations. "This service medal provides a clearly visible way to recognize the dedication and professionalism of our Airmen who are the guardians of our nation's nuclear deterrence. Because of our success, often times nuclear deterrence operations can be overlooked as a critical function," said Col. Zannis Pappas, the missile operations career field manager. "The medal acknowledges the special challenges faced by those Airmen charged with supporting the nuclear enterprise and will be a point of pride by all who wear it." Service members may be awarded the nuclear deterrence medal if they were assigned, deployed or mobilized to a wing, center or below in support of the nuclear enterprise for 120 consecutive days or 179 nonconsecutive days. Subsequent awards will only be authorized when a permanent change of station to a qualifying unit has occurred. "The Air Force continues to demonstrate its support to the most vital part of the nuclear enterprise - the Airmen," said Maj. Gen. Garrett Harencak, Air Force assistant chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration. "This medal exists as a tangible way to acknowledge the importance of this mission and the dedication and pride that the men and women in the nuclear community show to their country. Having secretary of the Air Force-level interest testifies to the importance of this decoration and impact on nuclear operations."