FSS personnel win command, Greater Boston awards

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Hanscom personnel continue to garner awards at the command level and in another case, during a ceremony in Boston for federal executives recognizing exemplary job performance.

The Patriot Honor Guard's Master Sgt. Aaron K. Marley, was selected recently as the Air Force Materiel Command Honor Guard Manager of the Year at the 2012 AFMC Annual Honor Guard of the Year Program. In addition, Paul Hartigan, 66th Force Support Squadron, Community Support flight chief, was selected as the Greater Boston Federal Executive Board Supervisor of the Year at a ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston.

Honor Guard Manager of the Year
Master Sgt. Aaron K. Marley was recognized at AFMC for his leadership in orchestrating 1,350 military funeral honors, including three active duty funerals among many other accomplishments.

Responsible for managing 60 Honor Guard members, Marley ensures fallen heroes and their families are bestowed the honors they deserve.

He manages the Air Force's largest area of responsibility, 75,000 square miles throughout seven states across New England and New York.

"The size of our AOR [area of responsibility] is dependent on maintaining a positive and cooperative support relationship with the Air National Guard and Reserves," said Carolyn McCafferty, 66th Force Support Squadron operations officer. "That's why the Patriot Honor Guard uses the most man-days in the Air Force and performs more military funeral honors than all but one Honor Guard in the Air Force. It's a congressional mandate that is met with dignity and honor."

Balancing the challenges of the AOR and the limited resources available, Marley was able to receive limited man-days for Maine Air National Guard personnel to cover funeral details in that state.

As Honor Guard superintendent, Marley is responsible for recruiting and mentoring junior officer volunteers.

"In addition to the AOR complexities, Master Sergeant Marley leads a volunteer augmentee team, 27 of which are CGOs," said McCafferty. "Sergeant Marley is professional in guiding the flight OICs and other augmentees and sets a true example of how a Senior NCO is a resource and mentor for our officer core."

Lastly, Marley trained Reserve Officer Training Cadets, Air National Guard personnel and Reserve personnel to ensure every veteran received the honors they deserve.

Greater Boston Federal Executive Board Supervisor of the Year
Paul Hartigan was recognized for his leadership and innovative approach to outstanding community support to Hanscom Air Force Base. Despite a reduction of personnel in his flight's management team, Hartigan was able to continue associated functions for base personnel.

"He manages the largest, most diverse flight in the Force Support Squadron and produces profits unheard of in the current fiscal climate," said Maj. Seth Tribett, 66th Force Support Squadron deputy director.

Through his leadership, Hartigan was able to turn previously losing operations profitable and by doing so, was attributed with strengthening the base's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Fund by more than $600,000.

"Paul Hartigan is an amazing manager of programs and people," said Tribett. "He understands that caring for his people means caring for the recreational needs of the Airmen and riding the success that comes from great service and products. At least once a day you will hear him preach, 'it's all about the big A' or 'it's all about the Airman.'"

A key contributor to the Minuteman Commons concept, Hartigan helped transform an Air Force Club into a community center and model for 72 Air Force bases worldwide and was credited with the transformation of food service operations at Fourth Cliff recreation area and Hanscom Lanes.

He was also instrumental in the Hanscom Aero Club garnering safety recognition during the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff and Chief of Safety Awards for 2012. He also was responsible for doubling the twin-engine aircraft inventory at zero cost by acquiring aircraft from another Aero Club that was closing.

Recognized for his leadership and vision in keeping MWR activities in operation, Hartigan was able to develop a strategy to have each activity support themselves.

"Despite severe manpower cuts to his organization, Paul never complains about the past and continues to make profits in every one of his businesses while similar operations on other bases are closing doors," Tribett said. "If you love to golf, swim, camp, fly, fix your own car, spend time at 4th Cliff or use the Outdoor Recreational Programs, you can thank Paul Hartigan and his leadership for those continued activities here at Hanscom."