Currently serving as a parish administrator in the Southwest United States, Father Thomas Maikowski previously spent more than 25 years with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) before retiring in 2009. Father Thomas Maikowski’s work as a USAF reserve chaplain received widespread recognition, including two Air Force Commendation Medals (AFCM).
An AFCM is presented in acknowledgement of meritorious service and achievement to a member of the Armed Forces of the United States. According to the USAFE Enlisted Heritage Gateway, the level of merit is required to be distinctive, although it doesn’t have to be singular. A member of the Armed Forces who performs acts of courage without voluntary risk of life is eligible for AFCM consideration. For example, a service member could earn the medal by offering instruction that significantly increases a unit’s combat readiness and thereby improves the unit’s performance on missions around the world.
Sanctioned by the Secretary of the Air Force in 1958, the bronze, hexagon-shaped AFCM features the Air Force Seal, which depicts an eagle with open wings resting atop a baton. Under the seal, there is a shield with flyer’s wings, a vertical baton, and eagle claws that is positioned over a background of eight lightning bolts.
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