Squadron Leader Vinod Kumar Verma is posted since 30 December 80 as Flight Commander of an operational fighter squadron.

The Squadron was re­equipped with a new type of aircraft. Sqn Ldr VK Verma displayed utmost devotion to duty and dedication to work which helped the Squadron in the commencement of regular flying inspite of the various teething problems during the re-equipment. In a very short time, he was able to formulate the training syllabus and various procedures relating to the new type of aircraft, and has proved his high standard of professional knowledge.

Sqn Ldr VK Verma has always taken utmost pride in his work, shown selfless devotion to duty which has been a source of inspiration to his juniors and has earned great admiration from his superiors.

For his utmost devotion to duty, dedication to work and high standard of professional ability, the President is pleased to award VAYU SENA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Vinod Kumar Verma.

Group Captain VK Verma, VM (11638) F (P) was commissioned in the fighter stream on 02 Jun 68. He is a Flying Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader, having over 3000 hours of flying on fighter aircraft. During his career, he has commanded a frontline high performance Fighter Sqn and was the Chief Operations Officer of a major base in Assam. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1983 while serving in a fighter squadron.

The officer took over the command of an important flying station in Punjab in Dec 94. His professionalism, wide experience, guidance and leadership by example had an all pervasive effect on all the units at base, as each took a quantum jump in its operational preparedness.

Due to high density of vegetation on the Station, bird strike incidents were resulting in substantial damage to fighter aircraft. He planned and supervised a massive vegetation clearance drive on the station. Group Captain Verma set a fine example by finding time from his multifarious duties to regularly fly fighters with the local fighter Sqn. During one of these sorties in Feb 96, at a critical juncture just after take off, his aircraft had a control failure. With his vast flying experience and presence of mind, he correctly recognised the criticality of the situation and abandoned the aircraft in the most difficult conditions bravely escaping with grievous injuries.

The quality of his leadership was reflected in the assessments by DASI and Command HQs. His station was adjudged 'Runners Up in Operations' during 95-96, while the FAC Flt and the Tropo Unit based at his station came first. The Missile Sqn was also adjudged Runners Up.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award "Vishisht Seva Medal" to Group Captain V K Verma.

Air Vice Marshal Vinod Kumar Verma VM VSM (11638) F (P) an alumni of National Defence Academy was commissioned on 02 June 1968 in the fighter stream. He is a graduate of Defence Service Staff College, Wellington and post graduated from the National Defence College. A renowned flier, the officer is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader. In his distinguished career spanning 37 years, the officer has held various important operational, command and staff appointments.

His flying skills and organizational expertise were recognized when he was selected as the Flight Commander for the first MiG 23 Squadron of 1AF and trained in Russia. He subsequently commanded the same squadron with distinction. He was also deputed to Iraq as a flying instructor. He commanded a frontline fighter base in Punjab. His leadership resulted in the award of six command trophies to his base in 1996. For his outstanding contribution he was the recipient of VM in 1983 and VSM in 1998.

In 1998 as CATSPAW at HQ WAC he revolutionised the methodology for making war plans. His methodology is now a standard for each Command HQ. He conceived and planned both the annual Command exercises of HQ WAC- 'Trishul 98' and 'Trishul 99'. These exercises brought in new concepts in Op preparedness and war fighting. As Director Electronic Warfare he was instrumental in changing the complete EW training package of 1AF. He was also responsible for fresh Inductions and upgrades of EW equipment.

He excelled as Commandant, Air Force Academy and revitalized and reoriented the training curriculum, methods, material and introduced an operational awareness in the environment. Zero garbage Scheme through wormiculture, mass afforestation and water harvesting project that he Instituted are still running successfully at Academy. His leadership and exceptional output was recognized when AFA was adjudged the Best Flying Station of Training Command for 2003.

On assuming charge at HQ IDS, he saw a communication gap between Services and DRDO. He setup a mechanism that provides this linkage. It has already improved mutual understanding and has led to better definition in R&D. A similar linkage is being established with Private Industry and Academia. He was instrumental in producing the road map for R&.D organisations through the document “Technology Needs for Joint War fighting". His contribution in providing valuable inputs to the Ketkar Committee would help in streamlining the Defence Procurement Methodology in the years to come. The officer has always displayed a visionary approach. His result oriented ethics and pragmatic approach have been a hallmark in achieving excellence in ail facets of the service ethos.

Air Vice Marshal Vinod Kumar Verma VM VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of exceptional order.