Contracting, JAG, big winners at AFDW quarterly awards

Published Jan. 28, 2011
By Benjamin Newell
AFDW Public Affairs

AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON -- Quarterly award winners were heralded for achievements in financial, operational, administrative and support roles within the Air Force District of Washington during a luncheon Jan. 21, at The Club, Joint Base Andrews, Md.

"There are no small tasks. Everything we ask of you is vital, and I do greatly appreciate what you all do," said AFDW Commander Maj. Gen. Darren W. McDew.
Command Chief Master Sgt. Pat Battenberg and General McDew were on hand to personally present awards to recipients.

Airman of the Quarter, Airman 1st Class Loren Farnam, was cited for accomplishments stateside and in Iraq. As a contract specialist, he oversaw renovation of an Iraqi sugar factory, leading to 2,200 jobs for locals. He also volunteered with the boy scouts while earning a B.S. degree and saving the DoD millions in contracting costs.

Another contracting specialist, Megan Baer, won the Civilian Category II Award for her efforts to stabilize the business climate in Iraq and Afghanistan by awarding contracts to both countries. "I was really surprised by this award," said Mrs. Baer. "This is just a great way to start out the year."

The A8 tri-annual review team, under the leadership of Richard Dillow, picked up Team of the Quarter for their efforts to audit millions in AFDW finances and spot efficiency opportunities. The eight-person team also worked with Air Force senior leaders to plot a sound financial future for AFDW while zeroing out books and clearing final expenses.

"We've got an awesome team, and I'm just really looking forward to the next level of competition," said Mr. Dillow, chief of financial accounting operations for AFDW A/8. "Hopefully we can continue to put out great teams and move on to the annual awards."
Category III Civilian winner Veronica Griffin picked up her award for renovating AFDW's Sexual Assault Response Coordination program. She regularly coordinates with units across the Air Force on sexual assault cases and helped redesign several education modules used to train all Airmen.

Master Sgt. Robert N. Barry serves as the NCOIC of military justice for AFDW Judge Advocate General. His award for Senior NCO of the quarter was earned through error-free paperwork processing, supervising 18 paralegals, and managing an Air Force prison program involving 500 Airmen worldwide.

CGO of the Quarter Capt. Christopher Baker serves as AFDW chief of military justice. His accomplishments include being cited by superiors as a clear and concise briefer. He also led efforts to decrease his office's carbon footprint by eliminating unnecessary printed documents.

NCO of the Quarter, Staff Sgt. Adam Clonick, yet another contract specialist lauded for excellence, was awarded for his work transitioning Bolling Air Force Base to naval control. In addition, he managed a $99 million Capital City Contract supporting Secretary of the Air Force Financial Management. He also collected care packages for deployed servicemembers.

Volunteer of the Quarter Jessica Kasper provided child care and Christmas dinner for a battered women's shelter, volunteered a total of 80 hours, and led a weekly group at Carpenter's Shelter.

"I look forward to seeing this room packed to capacity next quarter," said General McDew, closing out the ceremony. "Keep doing your best."