916th IG wins among two commands

  • Published
  • By Maj. Erin Karl
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. --  The 916th Inspector General office earned the prestigious Lt. Gen. John P. Flynn Inspector General Award for Air Force Reserve components, which includes both Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard, for 2012.

The John P. Flynn Inspector General award recognizes the inspector general complaints resolution program office that embodies integrity, justice, compassion, loyalty, courage, and spirit, the six fundamental characteristics of Flynn's leadership model.

The wing's IG office is a one-woman shop. Lt. Col. Janette Thode has been in the position since February 2011. She is credited with leading the office to an excellent rating in the 2012 Compliance Inspection.

"This was the first time under the new inspection construct that the Wing IG office was formally inspected," said Thode. "Two main focuses that I've had since taking over this job were educating the force about the role of the IG and getting out to see what issues are bothering people and distracting them from focusing on the mission. The inspectors seemed to be impressed with my enthusiasm for educating the force."

Thode also said the compliance inspectors were impressed with her role in the wing's Human Resource Development Council.

The Air Force's goal is to process complaint actions within 29 days. Thode's office closed out 92% of its complaints within that timeframe.

"It's a huge honor and I was very surprised," Thode said. "Other units who have won this award have more experience and a larger IG shop allowing them to do more within the Wing. It's also rewarding to have my efforts validated on the command level."