Offutt Airman named top local federal employee

  • Published
  • By Ryan Hansen
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  A 55th Intelligence Support Squadron Airman was recently named the Omaha-Lincoln Federal Executive Association's administrative-technical employee of the year.

Tech. Sgt. Desiree Laughlin, an intelligence analyst and resource advisor with the 55th ISS, was presented the award during a ceremony May 10.

"To be perfectly honest it did not surprise me to hear Sergeant Laughlin had won this award," said Lt. Col. Jenifer Warren, 55th ISS commander. "She is a valuable asset to our team and I speak for the unit when I say we are grateful to have her working with us."

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

Upon learning she had won, Laughlin was taken by surprise.

"When I heard my name called, my first reaction was surprise and then astonishment," she said. "The two other people I was up against are outstanding members of Omaha-Lincoln, and ... it would not have been surprising if either had won."

Laughlin said she was also very thankful to those who had worked so hard on her submission package, especially her supervisor.

"Sergeant Laughlin epitomizes the Air Force core values of, integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do," said Master Sgt. Ronald Herndon, 55th ISS commander's support staff superintendent and Laughlin's supervisor. "Her contributions to the squadron's finance program are invaluable and have greatly contributed to its success."

As 55th ISS resource advisor, Laughlin is responsible for the squadron's $1.3 million budget. She also oversees the travel system for more than 220 members, manages more than 200 travel card accounts and serves as the purchase card program manager.

"She is one of my most dependable and trusted NCOs -- two very important qualities for someone who I entrust to safeguard tax-payer dollars to be spent wisely," Warren said. "Her attention to detail is meticulous and she has taken the squadron financial program to new heights."

Laughlin enlisted in the Air Force in February 2003. During her career she has worked primarily with the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint and RC-135U Combat Sent, supporting multiple overseas operations.

"What I love most about the Air Force is the opportunities to excel, whether that be in the job or in volunteerism," she said. "I don't feel like any other organization has the amount of job opportunities that the Air Force has and the strength of leadership support."

Laughlin has been assigned to the 55th ISS since October 2010.

"We are lucky to have her on the support staff," Herndon said. "She makes my job a lot easier and has been a tremendous asset to all of us."