New awards for Hanscom winners Published May 22, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Foster 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- There is never a shortage of awards when it comes to Hanscom's finest and last Friday was no different when a group of personnel were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the base. Nine individuals and one team were among the first winners of the new Team Hanscom Top Performers awards. Bobby Jacques, 66th Air Base Wing Executive Services chief, believes the decision to add units that do not fall under the 66th Air Base Group, was the right one. "If units are on the installation they should be part of the total team, in my opinion," he said. "Without question, this is 'one team, one fight' and everyone is a partner in the big picture." Units that are eligible for the Team Hanscom awards include the 66th Air Base Group, Joint Personal Property Shipping Office, 319th Recruiting Squadron, Army and Air Force Guard members, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and the Honor Guard. "I think that geographically separated units that have their headquarters many miles away from Hanscom benefit tremendously," said Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell Balutski, 66th Air Base Group Superintendent. "Our hope is to include and not isolate them. We want them to know they're part of this military community" To compete, top-level organizations choose their superior performers in the various categories and submit an awards package to the central board. All civilians, Spirit Award and Honor Guard nominees are package-only submissions, while military nominees in the enlisted and officer categories meet with a panel of board members. "What really makes someone stand out as an award winner is what's called the 'whole person concept' where all aspects are looked at," said Balutski. "It highlights a person's commitment to mission accomplishment, self-improvement and serving others." Areas that are considered when choosing a winner in each category include the nominee's performance in primary duties, significant self-improvement and community service. Although the nominee is the one responsible in fulfilling the requirements to meet the 'whole person concept,' the supervisor also plays a vital role in the awards process. "It's important that supervisors take the time to submit packages for their people. I believe it's everyone's business to see our folks get recognized for a job well done," Jacques said. "I hope in the future we will see more and more people want to be part of Team Hanscom." The next Team Hanscom Top Performers Awards will be held at the Hanscom Conference Center on Aug. 15 at 7 a.m. The first Team Hanscom Top Performers winners: Junior Enlisted: Senior Airman Adam Buehler, 319 RCS NCO: Tech. Sgt. Julius Stokes, 66 SFS SNCO: Master Sgt. Shon Teicheira, 66 SFS CGO: Capt. Daniel Johns, 319 RCS FGO: Maj. Christopher Methvin, AFLCMC/HB Civ Cat I: Thomas Schuhmann Jr., AFLCMC/HN Civ Cat II: Harsheet Shah, AFLCMC/HN Civ Cat III: Michael Ledeboer, AFLCMC/HB Honor Guard: 2nd Lt. Benjamin Libner, 66 FSS Spirit Above and Beyond: Snow and Ice Control Team, 66 ABG/CE