JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing was recently honored by the Air Force District of Washington for having the best Manpower and Organization team in 2013.
The award recognizes major achievements, innovative ideas, management practices and customer focus within the manpower office. According to the award submission, the section created hundreds of new billets, realigned another 700 and, overall, managed roughly 6,000 positions for 40 groups, squadrons, detachments and operating locations.
"We are elated to be recognized as the Air Force District of Washington's Manpower and Organization Program of the Year," said Ed Banaszek, 480th ISR Wing chief of Manpower and Organization. "It is truly an honor to represent the wing alongside those competing for the Headquarters Air Force annual awards."
Because of the global nature of the wing and the different missions each group performs, the manpower team focuses on the customer by personally briefing each new commander on how his or her unit is organized to support their mission and the manpower resources available to conduct that mission.
"Our global ISR mission is unique and challenging," said Banaszek. "ISR operations are fast-paced and ever-changing, driving the wing to align its manpower resources with the current operational climate.
"I'm extremely proud of my team; they bring their very best each and every day," added Banaszek.
Not only did the wing earn recognition for its outstanding Manpower and Organization Program, but one of the manpower experts earned the General Billy J. Boles Mentorship Award for leadership and guidance.
Master Sgt. Rhonda Knipmeyer, Mission Support superintendent, was recognized for her mentoring ability and leadership skills while assigned to the Manpower and Organization Office.
'I am extremely honored to be the AFDW nominee for the Boles Mentorship Award," said Knipmeyer. "Mentorship plays a huge part of growing both personally and professionally. We all learn from each other."
Knipmeyer said she is also appreciative of the recognition the entire Manpower and Organization team received.
"I am so proud to be a part of this amazing manpower office and mission support team," she said. "We have an outstanding group of dedicated people, who not only get the job done, but more importantly, are family to each other."
She said she is looking forward to competing at the Air Force-level, but realizes that none of the accolades she and the Manpower and Organization Office received could have been possible without the help from everyone in the wing.
'None of this would be possible if it was not for the entire 480th Wing and all the support given to us each and every day," she said.
Debra Locke, chief of Mission Support, said the entire Mission Support Office is proud of their co-workers.
"The entire office is extremely proud of Master Sgt. Knipmeyer and the Manpower and Organization team," she said. "To earn AFDW-level recognition is a testament to their hard work and dedication. I continue to be amazed at their talent and skill."