621 CRW holds inaugural Order of the Raider Published Dec. 2, 2025 By Tech. Sgt. Anastasia Tompkins 621st Contingency Response Wing JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NEW JERSEY -- The 621st Contingency Response Wing will hold its inaugural Order of the Raider formal dining out at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, November 20, 2025. The long-standing tradition of the formal dining out dates back to the British armed forces in the 18th century. The dinners were held to foster fellowship among officers and to honor distinguished guests or accomplishments. Following the second world war, the concept of a dining out became widespread and included enlisted members as well. In addition to the Order of the Raider dinner, two CRW alumni inductees will be recognized for their contributions and impact on the wing. The inductees, one enlisted and one officer, have no rank requirements, nor duration of time in the unit, but rather are chosen based on the significance of their contribution. “Teamwork is the true cornerstone of how and why the contingency response community receives the well-deserved recognition and respect from senior leadership across the Department of Defense,” said Carl Agar, Order of the Raider officer inductee. “No matter the mission, location or limitations of the deployed environment, our teams conduct expert execution as a single-minded entity and thrive from the fact that the entire team attacks mission requirements, knowing the expectations, are fully trained to excel at their assigned duties but can and will support numerous other cross-functional mission requirements outside the norm to ensure the entire team is successful.” The inductee’s actions exemplified the true spirit of the Devil Raider through unwavering loyalty, relentless dedication, steadfast resilience in the face of every challenge. Their innovative mindset and commitment to teamwork strengthened the unit’s mission and embodied the core values that define the Devil Raider legacy. “Being a Devil Raider connects you to comradery in a way many in the Air Force never experience,” said Ryan Holmes, Order of the Raider enlisted inductee. “Deploying together to some challenging areas or even plush locations and getting the job done with innovative tactics and procedures, you learn to epitomize the definition of a Multi-Capable Airman. That builds resilience in oneself and establishes the loyalty you have to your fellow teammates, thus cementing the bond as well as internalizing the loyalty to the mission and the dedication to each other Devil Raider on your team.” All current and future inductees must have served in the 621st Air Mobility Operations Group, 615th Air Mobility Operations Group, 615th Contingency Response Wing or 621st CRW from July 22, 1994 to present day. Each year, the committee will select a campaign in which the 621st CRW played a significant role and work with the wing historian to select two individuals from the campaigns whose actions align with the pre-requisites. Nominations are vetted by the committee, recommended by the senior mentor, and approved by the wing commander. “My time as a Devil Raider was probably the most challenging and rewarding time I’ve enjoyed while in the Air Force.” said Agar. “The opportunities and friendships provided as part of the wing were second to none. The 621st CRW is the ultimate ‘leadership laboratory’ for all those assigned and that opportunity definitely set me up for significantly greater responsibilities moving forward.”