Texas A&M Task Force 1 Helicopter Search and Rescue Team Receives Prestigious Sikorsky Award
Each year, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company and the world’s largest supplier of military helicopters, honors flight crews who perform extraordinary, lifesaving missions using Sikorsky aircraft.
Since 1950, Sikorsky has presented the prestigious Winged‑S Rescue Award to courageous men and women who put themselves at great personal risk to save others during mishaps and natural disasters
On April 23, 2026, members of the Texas A&M Task Force 1 Helicopter Search and Rescue Team (HSART) accepted this distinguished award. The ceremony was hosted by the Texas Army National Guard and held at their hangar at the Austin Army Aviation Support Facility at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
The HSART team members received this award for their response to the July 4 floods in Texas Hill Country. The award was accepted by HSART members David Clark, Trevor Stokes, Matt Geller, Matt Avery, Matt McElearney, Ken Larsen, Melchor Fernandez, Bryan Winchell and DJ Walker.
Of the award, TX-TF1 Assistant Chief Brett Dixon said, “Our Texas A&M Task Force HSART team members are grateful to be honored by Sikorsky for their efforts during the July 4 Hill Country flooding last year. The UH-60 Blackhawk is such a capable helicopter, and it does an outstanding job of putting our team members in a place to be able to help people in their greatest time of need. To be able to stand alongside our Texas Military Department partners to receive this award is very humbling.”
This recognition is a testament to the professionalism, bravery and commitment of the Texas A&M Task Force team.
Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
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