HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The 66th Force Support Squadron has earned two Air Force Materiel Command-level awards.
FSS received the Major General Eugene L. Eubank Award for a small installation, recognizing mission accomplishment, management, and customer focus. Additionally, Jessica Kearns was named the Category I, Non-Supervisory Civilian of the Year.
“These awards represent the tireless efforts and innovative solutions our team implements daily to support the warfighter and enhance readiness,” said Lt. Col. Erica Peat, 66 FSS commander.
As the sole active-duty Military Personnel Flight in New England, the squadron played a critical role in supporting Total Force personnel throughout the region, processing 17,000 common access cards, DEERS enrollments, and civilian contract renewals.
The team also revitalized the Honor Guard augmentee program to overcome a 67% manning cut and a 70% reduction in man-days. Patriot Honor Guard personnel completed 156 training hours and supported more than 2,500 ceremonies and military funeral honors across a 78,000-square-mile area of responsibility.
Additionally, squadron personnel hosted the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center hiring event in May 2024 that attracted more than 400 participants, resulting in more than 200 interviews and 70 new hires.
Squadron officials also led significant upgrade projects, including a $1.8 million playground renovation and $864,000 in other projects such as a new disc golf course and Patriot Golf Course bridge repairs.
“Our team generated over $1 million in gross profit through our community facilities and increased event attendance by 210 percent,” said Peat. “These achievements demonstrate the squadron’s commitment to not only mission success but also the well-being of our Hanscom family.”
Individually, Jessica L. Kearns was recognized for her role as the unit program coordinator and timekeeper, identifying and resolving 140 work hour and leave discrepancies. She also managed the 2024 summer hire program.
“Jessica is the backbone of many of our operations,” said Peat. “Her ability to identify and correct discrepancies, whether in emergency management plans or financial records, exemplifies her commitment to excellence.”
Kearns also led the effort to restructure office spaces, coordinated with base agencies to acquire new furniture and technology, and saved the squadron $11,000. Her leadership extended to morale events, including base- and squadron-level initiatives.
“These awards highlight not just our collective successes, but also the individual talent and dedication of our team,” Peat said. “We are incredibly proud of Jessica’s accomplishments and grateful for the innovative, mission-driven leadership she brings to the squadron.”
Both AFMC award winners will advance to compete at the Air Force level.