JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
One word summed up the reaction at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Airman and Family Readiness Center about being named the 2011 Air Force AFRC Program of the Year - elation. "They were elated," said Sharon Witter, AFRC chief, when the staff was informed about the recent award. "There was a sense of accomplishment."
The Air Force-level award was a first for the AFRC. It followed being chosen the best AFRC in Air Education and Training Command for 2011, a major command honor also received by the center four years earlier.
Senior leaders said the center's recognition was well deserved.
"Everyone loves the AFRC because they do so many good things for so many people across the base," said Lt. Col. Chad Schrecengost, 802nd Force Support Squadron commander. "All AFRCs in the Air Force do good things for many people, but they do it exceptionally well here at Lackland.
"To see the hard work they do on a daily basis be recognized at the Air Force level, it's exciting," he added. "I'm thrilled for them."
Sara Wilson, Airman and Family Services flight chief, agreed with the commander.
"It's a validation from the Air Force of what we hear from our customers," Wilson said. "The staff is dedicated and so professional. You can sense that when you walk through the doors at the center."
The Lackland AFRC supports four service branches, eight wings and 72 units on base. Those numbers translate into meeting the needs of 80,000 families with family readiness programs to deployment support programs to financial counseling and all things in between.
Cited during the award year were a number of activities and at the 502nd Air Base Wing and AETC levels.
"It's challenging in the Force Support arena," Schrecengost said. "Being recognized at the MAJCOM level is one thing. To take it to the Air Force level, it really is a testament that you're doing something right."
The squadron commander also used one word, passion, to describe the center and its staff.
"There are so many diverse mission sets at Lackland; being able to provide services for all of those customers is remarkable," he said. "Sharon is very talented and passionate. Passion characterizes her and the staff, and I think that came through in the awards process - the passion they have."