Command picks best in communications & information

  • Published
  • By By Master Sgt. P.N. Brown
  • Public Affairs
A communications and information award selection board convened at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., and selected 18 individuals and two units as Air Force Reserve Command communications and information winners for 2005. One of those units was our own 94th Communications Flight. 

Command officials announced the award selections Feb. 16. Along with the 94th CF, March ARBs 4th CTCS received the Lt. Gen. Harold W. Grant awards in the flight and squadron categories, respectively. These awards recognize communications and information organizations for excellent support to the Air Force mission. 

Capt. William Brock, 94th CF commander, attributes a lot of the unit’s success to teamwork. “I believe they achieved the award because the unit really functions as a team despite the different types of employees we have (i.e., contractors, DoD civilians, Reservists, and air reserve technicians).” 

“Nobody is more important than anybody else.  We each have an important role to play in making the mission happen,” Captain Brock said. 

Captain Brock also tries to encourage everybody to be creative in coming up with solutions to problems.  “Probably the most important factor is I know when to shut my mouth, get out of the way and let the folks do their job.” 

The unit was recognized for their efforts in support of Hurricane Katrina relief. According to the award nomination the engineers provided emergency communication support. The unit constructed a joint military/civilian 24-hour Emergency Operations Center within six hours of their tasking. 

Other noteworthy accomplishments during the relief efforts were 182 phone lines in nine facilities for Marines that were evacuated from New Orleans to Dobbins. Engineers also activated iridium phones in three days for the deploying Marines — a job that normally takes weeks. 

The unit’s “can do” attitude helped save AFRC $71,000 through self-help projects that innovative personnel took on. This was just one example of countless cost saving ventures the unit accomplished. Through planning and management of resources $1 million was saved in spare parts and shelter for MAJCOM’s precision approach radar system. 

The unit can also be proud of the 771 work orders that were completed while providing 24/7 support for two real-world crises. And this is just a small portion of the things this unit has accomplished. The AFRC Contractor Management Assistance Visit noted the dramatic improvement since their last evaluation and the team offered zero write ups. 

“It’s always a great morale booster when a small unit such as ours can compete with the bigger units.  But the real satisfaction comes from making the mission happen,” said Captain Brock.