AETC names 17 MSS member outstanding for 2006

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • Public Affairs
Elizabeth Fuentes, 17th Mission Support Squadron Human Resources Specialist was recognized by Air Education and Training Command in the category IV-B Outstanding Civilian Personnel Specialist.

The AETC Outstanding Civilian Personnel Specialist award recognizes the outstanding achievements and accomplishments of a civilian'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.

"Liz always gives that extra effort to ensure her customers receive superior care," Maj. Michael Gayer, 17th Mission Support Squadron commander, said. According to the nomination writeup, Mrs. Fuentes exceptionally coordinated and implemented the National Security Personnel System conversion of more than 200 employees with less than one half of one percent error rate. She also flawlessly ran a post conversion process with 100 percent accuracy and she tirelessly built and maintained position hierarchy for over 500 civilian positions and more than 35 military supervisors.

"I am very proud of Mrs. Liz Fuentes--it is great to see folks' hard work recognized by higher headquarters. If I can sum up what makes Liz deserving of this award in one word, that would be dedication," added Maj. Gayer.

Mrs. Fuentes' dedication also extends to the local community. She serves as a member of the advisory board of one of the Boys and Girls Club of San Angelo and she is an active participant in the Lions Club.

Mrs. Fuentes has received other recognitions during her more than 20 years of service as a civilian Department of Defense employee; however this is her first award at the command level. Mrs. Fuentes did not hesitate to share the credit for her awards with others after being notified of her selection. She described herself as blessed thanks to the support of her fellow coworkers, friends and her husband Master Sgt. Armando Fuentes, who also works on Goodfellow as a member of the 17th Training Support Squadron and who she described as her biggest fan.