Vance's Equal Opportunity office and 71st Force Support Squadron garner AETC awards

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lynn Aird
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Members of Team Vance were the Air Education and Training Command winners for the 2008 A1 Awards program. The 71st Flying Training Wing Equal Opportunity Office won the Equal Opportunity Program Award (small base), and Edward Myer of the 71st Force Support Squadron won Personnel Technician of the year (base level). 

The Vance EO office competed at the Team/Program Award level. For consideration for the Equal Opportunity Program Award, each EO office is rated in terms of leadership, management, mission accomplishment, operational results and customer service and satisfaction. 

"We always try to bring something fresh every year to keep our programs customer-oriented. It's important to keep a good pulse on the HR environment of the base," said Capt. Jennifer Greig, EO director at Vance. "There's also a lot of support from our leadership for any programs that we want to run. That helps when competing at the command level for awards." 

This is the fourth time the Vance EO office has won the Equal Opportunity Program Award. 

"We also have a network of other agencies here, like the chapel and mental health services. We all help out with one another's programs," explained Captain Greig. "Together we produce a cumulative effect of diversity on the base." 

At the Individual Award level of the A1 Award Program, Mr. Myer competed in the civilian category. 

Mr. Myer currently works in Vance's Military Personnel Flight as the Military Personnel Section Retirement and Separation technician, as well as the Passport technician. Mr. Myer also stepped up to fill in as Reenlistment and Extension technician, and the Career Status Bonus manager. 

"Ed Myer supports the development and operations of an exceptional personnel advisement team," said Maj. Paul Johnston, 71st Force Support Squadron commander. "He consistently shows a high level of expertise in many of the most technical personnel programs, all of which involve Air Force obligations and money." 

Mr. Myer also volunteered to serve as the Vance Coordinator for the Volunteer Income Tax Services, is involved with Vance AFB Top 3 and is an Air Force Sergeant Association Retiree trustee. He has won quarterly recognition at the Wing level several times in the past. 

"He is a real team player, and has shown amazing adaptability in every task he takes on," said Major Johnston. 

Congratulations to the winners for being recognized for their outstanding performance within the entire A1 community!