Hanscom management analyst earns Air Force award

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gilmartin
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  A Hanscom civilian was recognized for professional excellence last week, winning Air Force-level honors in the 2007 Mission Support Awards.

Janet Larsen, a management analyst in the 66th Mission Support Squadron's Manpower and Organization Flight, was selected as the Air Force winner in the "installation senior civilian category," and is the recipient of the Air Force Senior Civilian Manpower Professional Excellence Award for 2007.

"This is a huge honor for Janet to be selected as best in the Air Force at what she does, and really well deserved," said Col. Tom Schluckebier, 66th Air Base Wing commander. "In a year of tremendous organizational change at Hanscom, Janet was a true role model in Manpower. As anyone who has ever dealt with her knows, she is an incredibly hard worker who always rises to the challenge."

Ms. Larsen served as manpower and organizational analyst for more than 18 Electronic Systems Center staff units, as well as the 551st Electronic Systems Wing and the Cryptologic Systems Group at Lackland AFB, Texas. In that role, she managed over 3,300 requirements during the award period. Her many customers appreciate her hard work, as evidenced by the 100 percent positive comments in her Interactive Customer Evaluations.

Ms. Larsen was hand-picked by the ESC Chief of Staff to serve as analyst for 55 colonel position descriptions, revamping all quickly and accurately. She also accurately processed over 36,000 manpower standard codes, meeting Air Force Materiel Command's Program Objective Memorandum deadline by accomplishing four months of coding in only one month.

Ms. Larsen resolved an organization structure code issue for the Financial Management community during the year, clearing the way for ESC to hire a senior level manager ahead of schedule.

"Janet is an incredible asset to the organization, and always willing to help others out," said Lt. Col. Mark Bell, commander of the 66th Mission Support Squadron. "She epitomizes the Wingman concept, mentoring civilian and military members of the team."

Ms. Larsen is dedicated to continued professional development, having graduated with honors while earning a master's degree in Human Resource Management from Webster University. She then volunteered as a recruiter for Webster, recruiting more than 15 students, six of whom will graduate this spring.

Ms. Larsen is also very involved in her squadron's morale events, serving in the past as president and currently as treasurer for the 66th MSS Council. She volunteered as director of the Hanscom Children's Choir and is often called upon to sing the National Anthem at official functions.

Off duty, Ms. Larsen and her husband, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Roger Larsen, serve as the sole caretakers for her mother, who has Alzheimer's disease.

"My mother and my husband are the wind beneath my wings," she said. "Without their encouragement and support, I wouldn't have accomplished anything."