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JBSA News
NEWS | April 25, 2007

Services civilian recognized by AETC

By Megan Orton 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

A Team Randolph member was recently recognized with an Air Education and Training Command award for his outstanding performance in ground safety. 

Mr. Stephen Knechtel, 12th Services Division Special Programs assistant, was awarded the AETC Ground Safety Individual Award of Distinction for his performance as a unit safety representative in the fourth quarter of 2006. 

"I nominated Steve for this award because he combined initiative, innovation and enthusiasm to establish an outstanding safety program in one of the most diverse base units," said Shelta Reese, Mr. Knechtel's supervisor. "He is a dynamic unit safety representative who quickly solves problems and continuously pushes for safer working and living environments." 

Mr. Knechtel assisted the Bowling Center in the proper disposal of a safe containing hazardous asbestos and compiled a Slow-Moving Vehicle Training Guide to prevent roll-overs and injury to unit personel. 

He also developed a 15-page safety training guide covering all of the required ancillary training, making it easier for managers to stay on top of training in the areas of Air Force Occupational Safety and Health, manual lifting, traffic safety, mishap reporting and fire extinguishers. 

Mr. Knechtel also ensured hazardous material discrepancies were corrected and authorized more than 480 chemicals for use by Services employees. He improved the HAZMAT submission receipts from 74 to 90 percent and developed written procedures for six key types of Environmental Management Information System transactions.
Lastly, he helped coordinate the base lead-based paint management plan, ensuring the safety of children in Randolph facilities. 

"I don't clean the lodging rooms. I don't operate the machines, tools and equipment at the golf course, auto skills, wood skills and bowling center. I don't prepare, cook and serve hundreds of meals in the clubs. Any safety-related accomplishments belong to Services' 'One Team,'" Mr. Knechtel said. "I'm just doing my job, which is helping Services employees and customers to be safe. I am most proud of the opportunity to have a small part in this endeavor."