Wing controllers earn AFRC's top nod

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Buffy Galbraith
  • 919th SOW Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  Air Force Reserve Command recently announced the results of the 2007 AFRC Command and Control awards, distinguishing the 919th Special Operations Wing Command Post and one of its senior NCOs as the best in the command. 

This is the fourth time the controllers have earned the distinction as the best small command post. 

The command post stands up 24/7 operations dependent on mission requirements, sometimes on short notice and during severe manning shortages, said Maj. Anna Pastore, 919th SOW command post chief. 

"The traditional reservists and air reserve technicians band together to make it happen," said Major Pastore. "Personnel not only manage to balance competing demands and step up to keep the command post up and running, they do so in an outstanding manner as shown by highly rated programs and processes." 

One of the better known programs under the watchful eye of command cost controllers is flight following of aircraft at home and abroad. The award-winning package boasted a responsibility scope of 1,788 sorties, more than 1,200 Airmen, 14 units, two locations, and the resolution of countless issues during the previous calendar year. 

"The level of commitment that our traditional reservists show by volunteering to support the mission is the reason why we are so successful," said Senior Master Sgt. David Mooers, 919th SOW command post superintendent. "We have a really good team of individuals who continue to give of themselves." 

Many of the command post's traditional reservists perform more than the minimum participation requirements of unit training assemblies and annual tour. 

"Reservists are an integral and indispensable part of the unit," said Major Pastore. "Every time the command post is called to operate 24/7, our reservists answer the call and provide full coverage in support of the wing's mission." 

"It simply could not be done without them," she said. 

Getting the job done in the command post takes controllers who are dedicated, but it also takes the guidance and supervision of a true leader to create an atmosphere that encourages members to participate. 

Sergeant Mooers has proven that he fits the bill by being named AFRC's 2007 Senior NCO of the Year for Command and Control. 

"Sergeant Mooers has made the 919th Command Post into the state-of-the-art command center of AFRC," said Major Pastore. "We are the best equipped and the most technologically advanced due to his dedication." 

It is this continued dedication that has earned Sergeant Mooers previous Command and Control awards like the 2003 AFRC NCO of the Year and the 2006 10th Air Force NCO of the Year. 

With manning as low as 25 percent in 2007, Sergeant Mooers successfully procured the resources and volunteers to support 24-hour operations for a total of 140 days. 

"He gets the job done while promoting a team atmosphere," said Major Pastore. "Somehow, he also finds the time to commit to numerous community programs and events." 

"He is an outstanding example of the whole-person concept," she said. 

Though appreciative of the recognition, Sergeant Mooers insists that it is the efforts of the controllers that continue to bring credit upon the wing. 

"We work as a team, and each person comes in ready to hit the ground running," he said. "It is the high caliber of people that work here that brings us success." 

Whether the success stems from the group or the individual, the 919th SOW Command Post has proven that recognition programs like the AFRC Command and Control awards are beneficial. 

"Many superb individuals and teams support and execute the wing mission," said Major Pastore. "I highly encourage all supervisors to make every effort to get your deserving folks recognized."