CAFB receives 2012 Verne Orr Award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Just before ringing in 2012, Columbus Air Force Base was named the winner of the AETC-level 2012 Verne Orr award for making the most of effective use of its human resources out of any other total force unit.

The team effort that led to this accomplishment was directly affected by agencies such as manpower and civilian personnel who ensured that each shop on Columbus AFB had enough Airmen to accomplish the mission.

Supported by their leaders and followers these Airmen accomplished outstanding feats throughout the year that were recognized in the award nomination package. Many of the awards given to individuals during 2011 such as the AETC honor guard program manager of the year or the AETC 2010 Key Spouse of the year were championed. Group accomplishments such as the Air Force Flight Safety Plaque or being the busiest airfield in the Air Force led the 14th Flying Training Wing to achieve the Verne Orr award.

Innovations made within the squadrons as well as off-duty programs were advocated. The 98.4% success rate of Columbus AFBs airsickness management and the success of the 434-RIDE program showed the effectiveness the Airmen in Team BLAZE.

The Verne Orr award is named after the 14th Secretary of the Air Force, who was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and served in that position until 1985. The award is given out annually by the Air force Association, an independent, nonprofit, civilian aerospace organization that promotes public understanding of aerospace power and national defense.

The combined efforts of the entire wing, from the award winners to each and every organization and Airman that supports them each day led towards this accomplishment. In a letter from Seguin to the wing he said:

"On behalf of our BLAZE Leadership Team, I congratulate you for your selfless dedication. I express my deepest gratitude to supervisors and commanders who invested time and effort to craft our submission for this award and recognize their superior performers. Its onward now to the Air Force level competition."