Air Force presents top civic award to outdoor TV show

  • Published
  • By Christa D'Andrea
  • Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --  Air Force Recruiting Service officials presented the Air Force's top civic award, the American Spirit Award, to Southern Woods-N-Water TV during a ceremony in Perry, Ga., Jan. 21.

Brig. Gen. A.J. Stewart, AFRS commander, presented Dennis Lewis, Southern Woods-N-Water TV host, with the prestigious award.

The American Spirit Award is the Air Force's highest form of recognition given to civilian organizations that have shown longstanding commitment and support to Air Force recruiting efforts.

"Dennis Lewis and the Southern Woods-N-Water TV show have demonstrated a strong commitment to the Air Force over the last few years," said General Stewart during the presentation. "They should be extremely proud of what they have done to promote our nation's great Air Force mission in communities throughout the country."

Southern Woods-N-Water TV is Georgia's foremost outdoor reality show, featuring hunting and fishing opportunities in North America. The show's hosts, Dennis and Angela Lewis, have embraced the Air Force and regularly highlight Airmen and the Air Force on their show, including airing shows dedicated to showcasing the Air Force quality of life and benefits.

"The show is a fantastic venue to educate the public about the Air Force and we are proud to be associated with Southern Woods-N-Water," the general added.

Upon accepting the award, Mr. Lewis said he was honored and humbled by the award, "but the true credit should go to the fine members of the U.S. Air Force and our combined armed forces that protect our freedoms."

"Dennis and Angela Lewis are real patriots," said Lt. Col. Richard Van Hook, the 336th Recruiting Squadron commander. "In our three-year relationship, Southern Woods-N-Water TV has delivered Air Force awareness to the living rooms of millions. Many young outdoor adventurists have found their way to a great career as a direct result of the testimonies of Airmen featured on their show. They can be very proud of that."

The American Spirit Award was first presented in 1980 to legendary comedian and actor Bob Hope. Since then, recipients have included such dignitaries as Rudolph Giuliani, Dolly Parton, Paul Harvey, Reba McEntire, the Dallas Cowboys, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Indianapolis Colts.

(Tech. Sgt. Thaddeus Smith, 336th RCS, contributed to this story.)

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