Civil Engineering captures numerous AFMC-level awards

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The 66th Air Base Group Civil Engineering Division here won three team awards and three individual awards at the Air Force Materiel Command Civil Engineer Awards for 2015, command officials announced earlier this month. Winners will now compete at the Air Force level.

Hanscom's civil engineers captured the AFMC Outstanding Small Civil Engineer Unit Award, The Major General Del R. Eulberg Award and Brigadier General Archie S. Mayes Award. In addition, Susan M. Gribbin, Brent E. Nagele and Melvinetta McMillian captured individual command-level awards.

"I am delighted by the number of command-level awards our team was able to capture during this year's competition," said Tom Schluckebier, Hanscom's base civil engineer. "Each of these award winners are the very best in Air Force Materiel Command."

Outstanding Small Civil Engineer Unit Award

Among the many accomplishments highlighted in the two-page nomination, the team was responsible for managing $90 million in military construction projects, including two new schools, an enlisted dormitory for Airmen at Hanscom Air Force Base and Energy Conservation Investment Program projects.

Additionally, the team executed the first Air Force intergovernmental support agreement for services with a local municipality as part of an Air Force community partnership initiative.

"The five-year Blanket Purchase Agreement with Bedford is for the treatment of base roadways before winter storms," said Schluckebier. "Mutually supportive partnerships like this are an effective way to reduce base operating and service costs."

Civil engineer officials were also lauded for monitoring energy market trends and were credited with saving more than $80,000 at Hanscom's Central Steam Plant by burning fuel oil instead of natural gas throughout the year.

Maj. Gen. Del R. Eulberg Award

The Maj. Gen. Del R. Eulberg Award recognizes the Air Force Civil Engineer Installation Management Flight that achieved the highest degree of excellence in installation management.

The nomination highlighted the CE team receiving the Massachusetts Department of Transportation "Rising Star Spotlight Award" during the 5th annual Excellence in Commuter Options Awards Ceremony in 2015.

"The 'Rising Star' award recognized Hanscom Air Force Base for significant progress in promoting sustainable transportation options through resourceful actions such as employee outreach and education, commuter options and incentives, as well as innovative concepts and collaborative efforts," Schluckebier said.

Brig. Gen. Archie S. Mayes Award

The Brig. Gen. Archie S. Mayes Award is presented to the Civil Engineer Engineering Flight that most excelled in providing facility products and services of exceptional quality to base customers.

Among the myriad accomplishments featured in the nomination include the execution of Hanscom design requirements, notably the base commander's number one priority to design gate canopies for the installation's three gates. CE officials accomplished a design that resulted in the award of a $1 million canopy project.

"The new structures will provide shelter to 66th Security Forces Squadron personnel who provide security to the installation 365 days a year in all weather conditions," said Schluckebier.

Outstanding Civil Engineer Manager of the Year

Susan M. Gribbin, Fire Alarm Communication Center supervisor, was named Outstanding Civil Engineer Manager of the Year in the Civilian Supervisor category.

Among her many accomplishments, Gribbin is credited with being an integral member of the AFMC Small Fire Department of the Year.

"Susan orchestrated flawless responses to 125 fire department emergencies and 46 mutual aid requests," said Schluckebier. "Additionally, she worked with base safety to update base maps that resulted in rapid identification for first responders."

AFMC Civilian Emergency Manager of the Year

Brent E. Nagele, emergency response trainer, was named the Civilian Emergency Manager of the Year.

Nagele authored a local chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training curriculum that maximized Airmen deployment skills.

"Brent was also responsible for executing the first-ever Hanscom Kids Deployment Camp for 26 military dependents that fostered empathy for parents' sacrifices," said Schluckebier.

Privatized Housing Manager Association Outstanding Mid-Level Housing Manager

Melvinetta McMillian, a Hanscom base housing manager, was named the Privatized Housing Management Association Outstanding Mid-Level Housing Manager of the Year.

McMillian was credited with working with housing residents as officials repaired leaks after record snowfall in the local area. 

During an Air Force Civil Engineer Center site visit in 2015, team leaders praised her role in an "excellent partnership between Property Management and Housing Management teams."