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AFDW commander recognizes outstanding performers; sets priorities for command

  • Published
  • By Aletha Frost
  • Public Affairs
Air Force District of Washington --  Maj. Gen. Darrell D. Jones, Air Force District of Washington commander, recognized superior performers, spoke about upcoming challenges, and answered questions from Airmen during commander's calls April 29-30 held at the Pentagon, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington D.C., and Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

General Jones used the commander's call to share information and to provide Airmen up-to-date information on key Air Force issues that impact the National Capital Region.

Special interest items were briefed by subject matter experts. AFDW/A1 briefed repeal of the National Security Personnel System and conversion back to general schedule. AFDW/A7 subject matter experts provided details about Joint Basing on Bolling and Andrews, and provided updates about new building construction projects on Andrews. AFDW/A8 representatives also explained the new "E-Financing" process and how to use it.

"Commander's Calls provide an opportunity for the commander to inform everyone about what they are doing and why," said General Jones. "It's a chance to be face-to face with the commander and to find out what is going on."

General Jones began each commander's call by recognizing and presenting awards to AFDW Airmen for their outstanding service and achievements to the Air Force. The following awards were presented:

Senior Master Sgt. Dietrich Kirk, AFDW Fire Chief, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., earned a Meritorious Service Medal for his support and technical proficiency. While assigned to Barksdale AFB, La., he also stood up a $2.2 million fire station in base housing, cutting response time by 75 percent and ensuring 4-minute standard coverage.

Master Sgt. Cameron R. Rogers, AFDW Material Management, Andrews, was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal for his expertise in facilitating repairs of a badly damaged Mi-17, while assigned in Afghanistan, and returning the urgently needed aircraft to fully serviceable status.

Tech. Sgt. Patricia A. Ogletree, AFDW Enlisted Aide, Andrews, earned the Meritorious Service Medal a lead instructor to 170 Services Apprentice students, providing instructions in the fundamentals of Services Operations, Food Service, Lodging, Fitness, Mortuary Affairs and Readiness. She conducted 23 Mobile Technical Training courses worldwide, qualifying 60 individuals as shift leaders, saving the Air Force $398,000 in travel costs.

Tech. Sgt. Matthew F. Kimbro, AFDW Material Management, Andrews, was awarded, an Air Force Commendation Medal, for inventorying and inspecting 400 M-4 and M-9 service weapons for serviceability and operability, in addition to pre-positioning initiatives to ship 39 weapons to deployed armories one-month ahead of schedule.

Tech. Sgt. Monica S. Powell, AFDW Material Management, Andrews, was presented the Air Force Commendation Medal for meticulous development, maintenance and reproduction of 35,000 pages of student study guides and instructor lesson plans annually ensuring the standardization of curriculum development.

Numerous other AFDW Airmen were recognized for their personal achievements and accomplishments during commander's call.

The commander also stated AFDW's top priorities. They include; oversight of the new buildings that are under construction on Andrews AFB as part of the Base Re-alignment and Closure process; replacing the runway at Andrews AFB; ensuring a smooth joint base transition for Bolling AFB; and continuing to support communications within the NCR.

General Jones concluded the commander's calls by announcing a HQ AFDW Wingman Day taking place May 28, with special emphasis on safety and strengthening the morale and welfare of the unit.