HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Base officials recently announced the 66th Force Support Squadron has received two Air Force Materiel Command-level awards and will now move on to compete at the Air Force level.
The squadron received the 2023 Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank Award for a small installation, and Tech. Sgt. René F. Ibarra, 66 FSS Force Management Section chief, received the Force Support NCO of the Year Award.
Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank Award
This award is given to a force support squadron that best prioritizes the morale and welfare for America's fighting forces. The award also recognizes support squadrons that show outstanding professionalism, a commitment to customer service, and an ability to innovate and perform beyond expectations.
“Winning the prestigious Eubank award isn’t just an accolade, it’s a symbol of our relentless pursuit to bolster resources, strengthen services, and enhance mission execution,” said Maj. Erica Peat, 66 FSS commander.
Among the accomplishments cited in the award nomination, the 66 FSS Civilian Personnel Office was recognized for hosting four child care-specific hiring events throughout 2023, and a broader hiring event in May 2023.
“Civilian personnel maximized human capital for Team Hanscom by targeting talent across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts last year, resulting in the onboarding of 130 new hires that propelled the base to an 87 percent civilian manning rate,” said Peat.
The nomination also highlighted the squadron’s Patriot Honor Guard support of more than 2,350 ceremonies and military funerals across the six-state New England area and New York.
Other achievements include the Youth Center providing more than 500 clubs to 350 children, leading to five teens and two staff members participating in the National Keystone Conference in Dallas this past summer. During the conference, Justin Oliver received the 2023 Debra Williams Clark Spirit of Keystone Award.
Force Support NCO of the Year Award
Ibarra was credited for spearheading the launch of myEval 2.0 at Hanscom AFB and within the local region, orchestrating 25 implementation training sessions.
“Sergeant Ibarra established a centralized repository of training resources to provide Airmen at Hanscom and geographically separated units with the skills necessary at all levels to navigate myEval,” said Peat.
Additionally, according to the nomination, Ibarra helped to rewrite the Personnel Career Field Education and Training Plan to incorporate the Air Force Integrated Personnel and Pay System, enabling higher headquarters to modernize.
"René's exceptional leadership shines through in mission accomplishment, customer focus, and team building,” said Peat. “As an example, as the Rising Six president, he not only led but also fostered growth, resulting in numerous achievements and advancements for the team."
Ibarra now serves as the executive assistant to the installation command chief, where he is responsible for the day-to-day administration for the senior enlisted advisor.