Shockwave Spirit Published March 24, 2021 By Courtesy Writer: Rod Wilson, Northern Sentry Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- For Col Aaron Cowley of the 5th Maintenance Group there was challenge on how to present the Maintenance Professionals of the Year awards to various squadrons and maintain COVID 19 protocol. The answer to the challenge was to hold 5 different award ceremonies, one for each of the 4 squadrons and 1 flight in the maintenance group. Col Cowley, now in his 3rd year as commander of the 5th Maintenance Group, started the Maintenance Professional of the Year awards when he arrived at Minot AFB. “It has been a success. It reflects the pride in each unit” according to Col Cowley. The final award, the MPOY Spirit Award, was presented on Friday to the group that: 1) Did the most to embody the theme of the awards. This year’s theme was a tailgate theme. The set-up of the venue was part of the judging criteria. 2) Did the best squadron video. Each video was produced by the squadron. 3) Organized the best team entrance into their banquet; judged on the amount of energy and enthusiasm of the entrance. The winner of this year’s MPOY Spirit Award was the 705th Munitions Squadron, nicknamed Shockwave. Congratulations to Lt Col Ken Howell, commander of the 705 MUNS, and the entire squadron.