Grissom’s QA section wins AFRC award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dakota Bergl
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
The Air Force Reserve Command awarded the 434th Maintenance Group Quality Assurance Section the 2015 Quality Assurance Section of the Year Award.

Grissom’s QA section received the award for their outstanding adherence to procedure, contributions to cost reduction and overall performance during 2015.

Chief Master Sgt. Richard Scully, 434th MXG QA superintendent, said that he was proud of the work his office did during the year and they deserved to be recognized.

“It was nice that the effort we put forth got recognized by the command,” said Scully. “It was 100% the efforts of the men and women in this office that allowed us to win this award.”

Senior Master Sgt. Michael Young, 434th MXG QA inspector, echoed Scully’s words.

“It’s always nice to be noticed,” said Young. “A lot of times the maintainers look at us as the bad guys, the people who can get them in trouble, so having this positive recognition feels really good.”

In 2015, the QA section reviewed and reported to AFRC on 302 programs within five days of receiving the request, hosted an F-108 engine wash which finished 12 hours ahead of schedule, developed an all-inclusive quality assurance training plan and many other accomplishments.

Despite the sheer volume of work demanded of the QA team Scully said he was never worried or felt overwhelmed. “We’ve got such a great staff. I had great faith that the work being done by our people was accurate and timely.”

Young said the inspectors never have time to worry about the amount of work that is on their plates.

“You just come in and get the work done, we don’t have any other choice,” said Young. “Even when we have a lot going on Chief Scully keeps us on course and we know he’s got our backs.”

Also during 2015 Grissom’s QA team was able to assist the 911th Airlift Wing in preparing for a major command inspection. Scully felt that that experience allowed his team to grow and get better at their jobs.

“When we have the ability to help other organization we usually learn something, assisting other organizations makes us better,” said Scully.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

Stay connected, visit Grissom on Facebook and Twitter.