Air Force presents top civic award to snowmobile promoters Published March 17, 2008 By Lt. Col. Sean McKenna Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service gave the Air Force's top civic award - the American Spirit Award - to PowerSports Entertainment Inc. in Lake Geneva, Wis., March 16. Brig. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot, AFRS commander, presented the PowerSports Entertainment president, Scott O'Malley, with the prestigious award at the World PowerSports Association Snowmobile Tour National Awards Banquet at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa. 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. "The folks at PowerSports Entertainment have demonstrated a strong commitment to the Air Force over the last few years," said General Vautrinot. "They should be extremely proud of what they have done to promote our nation's great Air Force mission in communities throughout the country." The PowerSports Snowmobile Tour is North America's leading snowmobile racing tour. The tour features Snocross racing, with high-flying aerial displays, jumps and high-speed runs on short tracks throughout the United States and Canada. The Air Force sponsors one of the top teams on the circuit and PowerSports has embraced the service and ensured the Air Force is well represented at its venues. PowerSports regularly allows the Air Force to conduct enlistment ceremonies before snowmobile races and then serves up VIP treatment to the new recruits. Additionally many PowerSports employees don Air Force gear during the races, give Airmen the opportunity to make public announcements to fans, offer Airmen incentive rides, and provide complimentary event tickets to new recruits and their families. "The energy and drive that PowerSports has shown to my recruiters and the incoming Airmen are outstanding," said Lt. Col. Doug Stropes, 342nd Recruiting Squadron commander in Minneapolis, who regularly attends Snocross events. "They always have 100-percent focus on our needs and go above and beyond to make sure we are included in all that they do." 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. "What is best about PowerSports and the United States military, particularly the Air Force, is we are all about excellence and teamwork and accomplishing great things," General Vautrinot said.