31st CES garners five USAFE team awards

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  31st CES garners five USAFE team awards
Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The 31st Civil Engineer Squadron recently garnered five team awards in the 2010 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Civil Engineer Annual Awards competition.

"I could not be more proud of every Airman, military and civilian, who significantly contributes to the 31st Fighter Wing, USAFE and NATO mission every day," said Lt. Col. Matthew Robinson, 31st CES commander. "Our individual and team award winners this year are just a snapshot of the excellence provided to the command. I am excited for all our winners."

The following are the USAFE team awards that the 31st CES received:

-- The 31st CES Resources Flight received the Major General Robert C. Thompson Award. The flight was recognized for managing a $65 million budget as well as an $8.8 million Facilities Operations Program and $15.2 million in environmental fundings. The team also reviewed more than 1,800 obligating documents and approximately 9,000 utility payments. IT monitored and reconciled 50 government purchase card accounts with $2.5 million worth of purchases.

-- The 31st CES Programs Flight received the Brigadier General Archie S. Mayes Award. The 31st CES Programs Flight managed a facilities review board with 154 projects. The flight handled a $10 million NATO flight simulation project and acquired a $4 million emergency fund for a military construction project. It also directed a $400,000 Camp Darby dormitory project and spearheaded a $16 million sustainment plan.

-- The 31st CES Fire Prevention Program received the Fire Prevention Program of the Year award. During 2010, the 31st CES Fire Prevention Office protected 48 F-16 Fighting Falcons, 8,500 people and 1,270 buildings in nine geographically divided areas. The team initiated a wing-wide fire safety program, surveying 22 units and identifying 624 hazards. It also performed 24 training rodeos for 2,400 firefighters.

-- The Aviano Air Base received both General Thomas D. White awards for Sustainability - Non-Industrial and Environmental Quality - Overseas. The 31st CES shepherded the base through 50,000 ever-changing European Union environmental laws, decrees and requirements. It also distributed 5,000 recycled material tote bags, encouraging green procurement at member level. As part of its commitment to strengthening federal environmental, energy and transportation management, the base installed a geothermal mechanical system at the Dragon fitness Center as well as engaged regional water authority discussions to develop a "water share" irrigation partnership.

"I, too, am very proud of our award winners," said Chief Master Sgt. Linda Jacobs, 31st CES chief enlisted manager. "This recognition is a reflection of the whole squadron. What makes the civil engineers successful is teamwork; sharing a passion for our people, everyone contributes to the success of our Airmen. Our enlisted corps is intimately involved in ensuring the awards packages present a clear and comprehensive picture of each accomplishment and mission impact ... team synergy is the key to our success."