Local A&FRF member wins AETC award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • Public Affairs
Charles Harris, a community readiness specialist with the Airman & Family Readiness Flight here, was recognized by Air Education and Training Command with a 2006 Outstanding Family Support Individual Award in the Intermediate Family Support Center Individual category.

The award recognizes the outstanding achievements and accomplishments of the applicant's job performance, including contributions to mission effectiveness, leadership and mentorship in the workplace, and professional and career development and improvement. To a lesser degree, nominations also emphasize contributions, participation and activities outside of job duties.

"To say the least, the professionalism and dedication exhibited by Mr. Harris are deserving of nothing less than receipt of this recognition," said Larry Graves, Mr. Harris' immediate supervisor.

"Having witnessed Mr. Harris as both a Senior NCO and civilian employee, I am happy to say that Mr. Harris excelled in both worlds," Mr. Graves continued. "As a Senior NCO, he guided the Airman & Family Readiness Flight through two moves and earned outstanding ratings during two separate Operational Readiness Inspections, the most recent in 2006," Mr. Graves added.

"Since becoming a civilian employee, he has established a satellite office in the student residential area and has taken the lead in defining and addressing the issues of our student personnel. Mr. Harris is a proven performer as substantiated by this recognition," finished Mr. Graves.

Mr. Harris said he was surprised when Anthony Hooks, A&FRF flight chief, informed him of his selection. Mr. Harris recalled the support and positive comments that transpired from friends after receiving the good news.

"I got several calls and e-mails from current and past co-workers giving their congratulations," Mr. Harris said. "Reading notes, seeing smiles, and shaking hands with people I sincerely admire and consider my mentors may be the nicest part of the whole thing," he added.

The celebration of Mr. Harris' recent accomplishment was not limited to smiles and hand shakes, however. Food and drinks were shared to commemorate the occasion.

"My co-workers and I popped open a non-alcoholic sparkling bottle of grape juice," Mr. Harris said. "When my family found out the news, we all said 'Woo hoo!' and went for a burger," the award-winner added.

Mr. Harris has won other notable awards in the past. In 2006, Mr. Harris was recognized as the 17th Mission Support Group Civilian of the Quarter, GS-7 to GS-9, for the quarter of April 1 through June 30.

During his more than 20 years of active-duty service, Mr. Harris was recognized as the AETC Information Manager of the Year for 1990.

"Any individual recognition is a positive reflection on the entire team," Mr. Harris said. "We all depend on each other to get the job done, especially in a military environment where mission is job one...not self, not promotions, and not bonuses. Teamwork gets the job done and gets the best product to the customer. I depend on my co-workers and my mentors. I offer my thanks and congratulations to them," Mr. Harris concluded.