Goodfellow takes home AETC Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year award Published April 24, 2015 By Senior Airman Scott Jackson 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Staff Sgt. Albert L. Hetrick, 17th Training Wing Honor Guard program manager, is the 2nd Air Force and Air Force Education and Training Command Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year. Hetrick's primary duty is normaly firefighter instructor at the Goodfellow Louis F. Garland Fire Academy; however, he currently serves as the base Honor Guard program manager, coordinating all events within his district encompassing over 20 counties. Hetrick took over as the NCO in charge out of motivation to do the job to this highest standard. "When I was in the Honor Guard at a different assignment, I overheard that a 30-year retired chief didn't get the standard honors," said Hetrick. "So when I found out that happened, I wanted to make sure that it never happens again. I felt like if I could do anything and everything in my control to prevent that, I would." On winning the award, Hetrick said he felt surprised. "I didn't think I was going to get this far!" exclaimed Hetrick. "I just try to do my job, really, I felt amazed. I don't do it for that and I didn't know how to take it. It's hard for me to take recognition. I just don't do it for the awards." Thomas A. Baker Jr., 17th Training Wing Force Support Squadron operations manager and Hetrick's supervisor, spoke highly of him. "He is an extremely self-motivated professional who continuously looks for ways to improve areas under his control," said Baker. "He is very humble and will be the first to let you know just how good the entire Honor Guard team is and praises their efforts at every opportunity. Without question, this combination of professionalism and humility is contagious and helps explain his selection as the AETC Honor Guard Manager of the Year."
