EEO Office wins AETC award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephen Musal
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A member of Team Goodfellow was recognized for excellence over the past year by Air Education and Training Command.

Ken Stenzel, the 17th Training Wing equal employment manager, accepted the 2007 Alternate Dispute Resolution Award in the small organization category for Goodfellow.

"The award is for the entire Goodfellow Air Force Base Equal Employment Opportunity office," Mr. Stenzel said, "which is actually just me."

The EEO office was selected for the award based on Mr. Stenzel's workplace dispute resolution program, which he implemented in 2002. The program broadened Mr. Stenzel's influence beyond EEO matters, which he said has lowered official complaints dramatically since WDRP began.

"I've got this sign on me that says 'EEO,'" Mr. Stenzel said. "WDRP eliminates that. It doesn't matter what your problem is; if you come and see me, I can help you." He added that the program is intended to promote a positive workplace environment as well as good order and discipline, which helps both military and civilians.

"If you are having a problem, come and see me and I'll help you out all that I can," Mr. Stenzel said. "The thing that people need to understand is that my office operates on a principle of strict confidentiality."

According to the award citation, the EEO office "communicated with all levels of management and employees and ensured outstanding working conditions existed throughout the 17th Training Wing, sister services, and tenant units. This office resolved a record high of 81 percent workplace disputes during this period in 'workplace dispute resolution program.'"

Mr. Stenzel, a former Navy submariner who worked in the 17th Civil Engineer Squadron for 13 years prior to becoming the EEO chief, said the key to success as a government civilian is keep stepping up the job you do.

"The way to get ahead is to volunteer for the job that nobody else wants to do, and do good at it," Mr. Stenzel said. "Good things come to those who do good jobs."