Air Vice Marshal Satinder Singh Dhillon was commissioned on 17 Oct 63 in Engineering branch of the IAF. For his distinguished service, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1981 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1999.

AVM SS Dhillon has been working as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer, Western Air Command since 30 Jun 97. With his foresight, astute planning and perseverance, he was able to provide anew purpose and direction to the maintenance personnel at the field units.

During Kargil conflict, the officer toured the units extensively to have first-hand information on maintenance activities. He, thereafter, interacted with the repair agencies to maximize serviceability of aircraft and ground support systems. All vital systems of the aircraft, radar and Nav Aids were thoroughly checked during the preparatory phase to ensure optimal performance. The most significant results of his endeavors was the remarkable feat of maintaining an average serviceability of deployed fighter aircraft above 95% and Radars near 100% throughout the operations.

The officer had a daunting task of making up deficiencies of either Air Armament Weapons or their matching fusing com-ponents at the forward bases. Due to his dedicated, diligent and selfless professional approach, Western Air Command was able to affect movement of more than 2500 tons of Armament stores to our forward bases by Air/ Road.

Air Vice Marshal, SS Dhillon thus ren-dered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal JK Pathania was commissioned on 11 Dec 1963 in Administrative branch. During his service career of 36 years he has held important field and staff assignments. He is a graduate of DSSC and is a recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal. During Op 'Safed Sagar', he was Senior Officer in-charge Administration at HQ WAC IAF. Immediately on declaration of operations, he initiated essential and vital measures at forward operational bases in J&K Sector, Punjab and Haryana to support sustained air operation. Augmented manpower was properly received, distributed and requisite admin facilities were set uphill record time. Security arrangements at bases particularly at Srinagar and Awantipur were promptly beefed up through effective ground defence system and camouflaging to provide safe working environment. Emergency works services were planned and initiated most efficiently. Admin support systems like uninterrupted stabilised electric and water supply were monitored and maintained to ensure that air operations are not hampered at bases due to these factors. Runway rehabilitation schemes were formulated, practiced and kept in a high state of preparedness to meet any contingency. The administrative requirements of the forward bases were closely monitored through personal visits and constant dialogue with commanders to ensure optimum admin efficiency and high state of morale of the personnel in the field.

Air Vice Marshal JK Pathania thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.