Four Team Offutt members named employees of the year

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OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Four Team Offutt members were recently named employee of the year within their respective categories by the Omaha-Lincoln Federal Executive Association.

The FEA award program is open to all federal employees, including both military and civilian, in the Omaha-Lincoln area.

Earning FEA awards for 2012 were U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Thomas Drake and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mark Davis, both of the 55th Intelligence Support Squadron, Victoria Downs of the 55th Operations Group and Ken Smith of the Air Force Weather Agency.

As the superintendent of the 55th ISS Cryptologic Mission Management Flight, Drake earned the community service employee of the year award. As a volunteer emergency medical technician with Plattsmouth's Emergency Medical Services Department, he was directly responsible for the care of over 15,000 residents in a 50 square mile area of Cass County, Nebraska. During this period, he treated over 40 seriously ill and injured patients who needed medical care and rapid transport to an emergency medical facility.

Drake also served his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Plattsmouth Volunteer Fire Department. Over the past year he responded to several 911 emergency calls including one residential house fire where he and his fellow firefighters fought not only fought flames, but also extremely low temperatures for two hours, saving more than $200,000 worth of property damage.

"I was then Staff Sgt. Drake's director of operations in San Antonio back in 2006 ... and he knocked it out of the park there and continues to do nothing but hit home runs in everything he does," said Lt Col. Ty Gilbert, 55th ISS commander. "We're fortunate to have him as a senior non-commissioned officer in our Air Force."

"I was very surprised and honored to be recognized by such a prestigious organization," Drake said. "Just knowing that I was competitive against the entire federal workforce for Omaha and Lincoln was truly gratifying."

Davis was named the administrative and technical employee of the year award winner. Over the past year he was hand-selected to fill the (local area network) floor operations section chief, a position normally reserved for a senior non-commissioned officer. In that capacity, he served as the technical authority and advisor for the $10 million dollar weapon system overseeing modifications and upgrades that enhance worldwide intelligence capabilities.

In addition, Davis was also a critical player in coordinating the design and engineering pieces of a $375,000 squadron wide fiber optic cable project that would, not only, bring the unit within the guidelines specified by the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency but facilitate a re-design of the LAN Floor allowing additional space and air flow for upcoming mission system requirements.

"I can easily say that Tech. Sgt. Davis is the best technical sergeant I have ever had the honor to work with in my 23 years of service," said Master Sgt. Terry Porter, who is Davis' supervisor at the 55th ISS. "(He) is an outstanding leader, mentor, manager, technical expert and community member."

"When I heard that I had won at the wing level, that was enough for me," said Davis, who is 55th ISS cyber options section chief. "Then when we went to the luncheon to find out who the overall Omaha-Lincoln area winner would be and my name was called, I was shocked. Just being nominated was an honor but actually winning was an incredible feeling."

Downs earned the secretarial and clerical employee of the year award. As the secretary for the 55th OG, she manages the commander's schedule, which is no small task as it is the largest operations group in the Air Force. She also manages the day-to-day schedules of the two deputies, director of staff and the conference room with more than 50 events scheduled weekly.

In addition, Downs provided oversight on planning the 55th OG's change of command ceremony and worked in conjunction with executive officers to prepare background materials on the 12 squadrons and 1 detachment under the command of the 55th OG prior to the arrival of the new commander.

"Vicki is an absolute professional completely dedicated to accomplishing all tasks and improving everything she comes into contact with," said Col. Russell Mammoser, 55th OG commander. "Her pivotal role in the operations group ensures numerous process efficiencies coupled with meticulous scheduling."

"I'd like to thank all my bosses, the (commander's action group) and the execs for submitting me," Downs said. "I normally prefer the behind the scenes roles ensuring all the small pieces are put together for the bosses to form the larger picture, so I was pleasantly surprised and somewhat humbled by this."

Smith was named the 2012 professional and scientific employee of the year. As AFWA's meteorological requirements manager, his contributions included involvement with numerical weather prediction production improvements, web services and product delivery enhancements, space weather systems operations and contingency support. His efforts optimized the global support mission of AFWA's $277 million computer complex in execution of a $175 million annual budget.

Additionally, Smith designed the weather web services pages look and feel based on warfighters' requirements for operations in austere conditions. He also identified core meteorological and oceanographic product line based on most critical need and areas of greatest interest, resulting capability reduced time needed to find and retrieve vital weather information for our highest priority users.

"Mr. Smith is one of the most talented and capable people I've ever known," said Lt. Col. Amy Phillips, AFWA A30 director. "He works hard to always get the job done right."

"I was surprised and I certainly didn't expect it," Smith said. "I've been involved in weather operations my whole career ... and I've had great jobs and good bosses that allow me to move out to support our operators in the field."

Each winner received their award May 16 at the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Thompson Alumni Center.