HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The 66th Air Base Group recently received four Air Force Materiel Command awards, recognizing the accomplishments of personnel in the Safety Office and 66th Comptroller Squadron.
In an email to the workforce, Col. Jorge Jimenez, 66 ABG commander, congratulated the safety award recipients.
“We extend our sincerest congratulations to the safety team as they compete next at the Air Force level,” he said. “We wish them continued success and the very best of luck.”
Safety Office - Chief of Staff Outstanding Achievement Award
Air Force officials present the Chief of Staff Outstanding Achievement Award to a safety office that reduces workplace risks, improves compliance, and strengthens the installation’s overall safety culture.
“Our team’s dedication directly contributes to the safety and readiness of more than 10,000 personnel and $40 billion in Air Force research and development assets,” said Chris Herrmann, 66 ABG Safety director.
The team supported more than 190 facilities and identified 580 safety findings, according to the nomination.
Safety officials hosted safety courses for 113 personnel and partnered with other federal and military organizations to enhance regional safety culture.
“These recognitions are a testament to the hard work and expertise of our entire team,” said Herrmann. “We’re proud to serve Team Hanscom and ensure everyone can perform their mission safely.”
Safety Civilian Professional of the Year Award
Shaun Bassett received the Civilian Professional of the Year Award for overseeing a mishap prevention campaign that resulted in a 90% increase in reporting, a 43% reduction in lost time cases, and a 77% drop in restricted duty days.
He also revamped the installation’s confined space program, earning command-level approval in only two months.
“This award underscores his dedication to the safety and well-being of the Team Hanscom community,” said Herrmann. “His leadership and commitment to fostering a culture of safety have made an impact, ensuring personnel are able to carry out their missions safely.”
Safety Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award
Tech. Sgt. Isabella Saltmarsh received the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award for her work conducting spot inspections and scheduling annual inspections, which uncovered more than 195 safety findings across the installation.
“This award highlights Sergeant Saltmarsh’s exceptional leadership and dedication to the safety of personnel and mission at Hanscom Air Force Base,” said Herrmann. “She has been instrumental in strengthening our safety culture.”
As the NCO in charge of the office, Saltmarsh developed a training program that resulted in two Airmen earning safety-specific certifications. She also supported the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s national “Stand Down for Falls in Construction” campaign.
Chief Master Sgt. Larry P. Gonzales Senior Enlisted Leader of the Year Award
Senior Master Sgt. Alan Kitler, 66 CPTS, received the Chief Master Sgt. Larry P. Gonzales Senior Enlisted Leader of the Year Award for exceptional leadership during a period of significant transition.
Kitler’s nomination highlighted how effectively he managed operations during a six-month commander turnover period and a 27-month gap in flight chief positions, elevating the squadron to rank among the top five in the Air Force.
“This recognition for Senior Master Sergeant Kitler is so well deserved,” said Maj. Nicholas Stockdale, 66 CPTS commander. “His commitment to excellence and tireless efforts to elevate our airmen is the driving force behind so much of our success as a team.”
Kitler’s team also processed $241 million in payments while exceeding accuracy goals for 12 consecutive months.
He also led a team of innovators addressing readiness gaps to transform warfighter culture, a model later adopted by AFMC as a model for Air Force-wide implementation.
Jimenez announced Kitler’s award via email to members of the group earlier this week.
“Chief and I are incredibly proud,” he wrote. “Keep up the good work and best of luck as he goes on to compete at the Secretary of the Air Force Financial Management-level.”