Group Captain Rakesh Kacker (12951) Flying (Pilot) was the Chief Operations Officer at No 7 Wing AF from Feb 95 to Oct 96 and since then is the Station Commander of 503 SU, AF.

In view of the high attrition of IAF fighter aircraft due to bird strike, it was directed that undergrowth and unnecessary vegetation from Ambala airfield was to be eradicated at the earliest. At Ambala, this would prove a daunting task since two loop areas north of the airfield were thick jungles.

By virtue of his primary duty, this seemingly insurmountable task was given to Group Captain Kacker. The Officer was unperturbed by the very magnitude of the task and methodically began by examining all options. The Officer, aware that several crores of valuable Public Fund had recently been wasted as a result of the loss of two aircraft, was determined that he could work within the existing framework. The Defence Estate Officer was persuaded to provide manpower for this task. Primarily the contractor needed constant close supervision to ensure that legitimacy was maintained. Having cleared the area, the officer then interacted laterally with his Army counterparts for provision of heavy machinery to ensure control of vegetation and was quick to put these areas under cultivation. Work under his direction, continued unabated in order to deny birds the sanctuary to roost or nest on the airfield. This also resulted in noticeable decline in small bird activity.

In addition to above, the officer was simultaneously monitoring the installation and operation of Semi Automated Base Air Defence Centre in Base Ops (the first of its kind installed in IAF). As Stn Cdr, 503 SU, AF the officer has been instrumental in overall improvement of quality of life of personnel with his innovative ideas and also achieving high operational preparedness of the Station.

For successfully directing the task of improving flying environment and for his innovativeness in circumventing problem areas, for his moral courage and for rendering distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award "Vayu Sena Medal" to Group Captain Rakesh Kacker.