Williams honored for service, support

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
Feb. 18, 2004
Meridian Regional Airport President Tom Williams was honored Tuesday when Meridian's 186th Air Refueling Wing awarded him the Mississippi Distinguished Service Medal.
Williams, members of the 186th Air Refueling Wing and other Mississippi National Guard and reserve units operate at Meridian's Key Field, south of Interstate 20/59 in Meridian.
Col. Erik Hearon, wing commander of the 186th, said Williams' support is crucial in order for his unit to be effective.
At the meeting, 186th members gave Williams a certificate and a gold medallion.
Williams' honor comes more than a year after he was selected by the Federal Aviation Administration as the 2002 Commercial Service Airport Manager of the Year for the Southeastern region.
The airport recently upgraded its service and began offering non-stop jet service from Meridian to Atlanta in May.
Meridian's airport was once run by city officials before becoming self-sufficient in 1990. A few years later, an airport authority was created.
The airport and its $500,000 operating budget are overseen by Williams and a five-member board of directors.
Williams credits his board and three fellow employees for his recent recognition.