MEO office, superintendent get equal honors

  • Published
  • By Frank McIntyre
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  The 71st Flying Training Wing's military equal opportunity office and superintendent were named best in the Air Education and Training Command in an announcement Tuesday by Lt. Gen. Dennis Larsen, AETC vice commander.
The recognition came as part of the command's 2005 Mission Support Awards.
The 71st MEO office received honors as the top category II (small base) office and Master Sgt. Spencer Parker, MEO superintendent, received the category II-B (small base) outstanding base-level MEO individual award.
Among the office's highlights for the year were the successful climate assessments and training programs conducted to cultivate Team Vance for a climate of success.
One of the training programs highlighted was the team-building course presented to noncommissioned officers. But MEO doesn't just teach team building, they practice it.
"That's the secret to our success," said Capt. Richard Milton, chief of MEO. "Team is not just a cute 'buzz word' to us ... we're not an office, we are a team.
"Team Vance knows us and what we do. We model behaviors and we advocate the program. In essence, we 'walk the walk and talk the talk!'"
Sergeant Parker was recognized not only for advocating and improving MEO awareness on base, but also for his involvement in off-base activities, such as Garfield County Hispanic Outreach and City of Enid small claims court mediator.
"It feels good to be recognized, but I know there are others out there just as deserving," Sergeant Parker said. "The team in Team Vance makes my job as rewarding as it is challenging."
The Vance winners will now represent AETC in competition at the Air Force level.