JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Civil engineers from Headquarters Air Education and Training Command and the 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron have earned seven command-level awards.
Three HQ AETC civil engineers are recipients of the Maj. Gen. William D. Gilbert Award. Maj. Matthew Olijnek earned his award in the officer category, while Senior Master Sgt. Howard Yard III and Patrick M. Atkinson received their awards in the enlisted and staff civilian categories, respectively. In addition, Cynthia Pettit was honored as the Outstanding Civil Engineer Manager of the Year.
"Congratulations are in order for these staff members of the AETC civil engineer's office," Capt. David McGhee, AETC Civil Engineer's Operations Support Office, said. "These individuals set themselves apart and represent the best of the best for the command."
Master Sgt. Arthur Wholly, Randolph Fire Emergency Services deputy fire chief, earned the Chief Master Sgt. Larry R. Daniels Award in the military superintendent category.
Fire Chief Mark Ledford said Wholly's selection reminded him "how fortunate we are to have him on our team."
"Master Sgt. Wholly is a perfect example of someone who understands the whole person concept and who went above and beyond to be a great example for everyone around him," he said. "A positive representative of our unit, he's focused on the job, but is also able to remain invested in organizing various group and wing events that have a direct impact on the 'Showplace' and our awesome 502nd Air Base Wing."
The 902nd CES also earned two team awards - the Gen. Thomas D. White Natural Resources Award in the small base and individual/team categories.
Among the 902nd CES Asset Management Flight's accomplishments were developing and implementing natural resource plans, protecting natural resources in installation decision making, improving landscaping and grounds management, developing urban forestry and urban wildlife management programs, conserving wildlife, protecting wetlands and other natural areas and promoting conservation education.
The AETC civil engineer's office annually recognizes CE organizations and individuals throughout the command for outstanding achievements.
One staff panel evaluates nominations to select winners based on scoring criteria, and another staff panel scrubs packages to strengthen them for competition at the Air Force level.
Winners are recognized at the base civil engineer conference and go on to compete at the Air Force level through the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency.