916th ARW Maintenance Squadron Fuel System Repair Shop Wins

  • Published
  • By TSgt. Scotty Sweatt
  • 916th ARW
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 916th Air Refueling Wing Safety Office presented the first ever 916th ARW Shop of the Year Safety Award to 916th Maintenance Squadron Fuel System Repair Shop during the February UTA.

Master Sgt. James VanGilder, 916th ARW Ground Safety manager, said the award was created to recognize excellence in safely accomplishing the mission. The Safety Office takes into consideration the number of mishaps versus the nature of work performed, obstacles overcome in performance of the duties of the shop, as well as the overall diligence for safety that can be observed in the culture of a particular shop.

"This shop was very deserving; they are doing a bang-up job of keeping things safe in their daily operations," said VanGilder. "There is a delicate balance between getting things done efficiently and safely, and this shop is a prime example of what can be accomplished."

Accepting the award on behalf of 916th Fuel System Repair Shop was Master Sgt. Gary Tumminia. "We appreciate receiving this award," said Tumminia. "My guys deserved this; they all worked really hard at keeping things safe."

VanGilder noted that the efforts put forth by Fuels were intentional, and that Tumminia and his crew are aware that safety doesn't happen by accident.

The award is designed to provide recognition of deserving individuals who band together to make safety a priority. However, VanGilder says the goal of the program is not only to recognize excellence in one shop, but to encourage others to follow as well.

This program is part of the wing commander's safety policy; its implementation is meant to convey the commander's policy and desire to keep the mission and the people who make it happen safe.