Wing announces 2005 Resource Advisor of the Year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Mills
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  The 71st Flying Training Wing recently announced its 2005 Resource Advisor of the Year. Kim Patton, 71st Operations Group, received the award.
"I was very excited (to get the award)," Ms. Patton said. "I couldn't have done it without my cost center managers or Col. (Kevin) Kriner (71st OG commander)."
Ms. Patton said part of her work as the group's resource advisor is to ensure funding is available for pilots' cross-country flights and for individual equipment items needed for training. She also helps the squadron cost center managers through training and daily assistance.
"The best part of my job is the people I work with," Ms. Patton said. "They're so dedicated and want to do the right thing, which also makes my job easier. Colonel Kriner is also very supportive and always goes to bat for me. My job is also rewarding when I see the student pilots graduate, knowing I have contributed to their training needs."
Ms. Patton is the 71st OG resource advisor for nearly 1,000 military and contractors, more than 200 assigned aircraft, and is the primary government purchase card official for nine group and squadron offices, according to her award nomination. She was named a 2005 Air Education and Training Command Operational Readiness Inspection "Superior Performer" for a superbly managed $2.1 million operations group budget, which ensured funding was available for the T-6 acquisition program.
Ms. Patton also spearheaded the 71st OG's Christmas Adopt-a-Family program, which donated $500 in gifts to a local family through the Salvation Army.
"Kim is recognized as the 'go-to' person in the operations group for all finance information or problems," Colonel Kriner said. "She is always willing to go the extra mile, always a team player and the best RA in the wing!"