News Search

AMDS officer deemed 'outstanding' by command

  • Published
  • By Maj. Kelly Howard
  • 434th Public Affairs Officer
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Outstanding is a word that often is used to define an individual who stands out from others in a positive way.

Lt. Col. Christopher Filer, 434th Aerospace Medical Squadron medical readiness flight commander, recently received that title when he was presented the Outstanding Medical Service Corps Officer Award for 2011.

"Filer is an extremely talented officer that works tirelessly without a clock," said Col. Thomas Collins, Aerospace Medical Squadron commander. "There is not a task that is too big for him."

One of those extraordinary tasks was attending a healthcare Lean Six Sigma training course designed to improve organizations by identifying and removing the defects of particular processes.

Using that training, Filer was able to reduce waste by $24,000 and ease the flow of the organization, said Collins.

Filer's role as a medical service corps officer is much like a chief operations officer - overseeing all operations, logistics, readiness, plans, finance and systems under the guidance of the commander at the medical facility.

While in this role, his ability to coordinate resources and build cohesion led to 105 patients being moved during six overseas missions with zero mishaps. In addition, Filer maintained 100 percent currency of squadron member deployment training requirements and deployment checklist consolidation.

During the award period and while stationed with the 514th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Filer was a subject matter expert for the squadron on tempo banding assignments and new requirements. He also became the wing point of contact resulting in a unit deployment posture of 100 percent.

"During the past year I'd say the greatest challenge has been the HSI prep," Filer said. "It was a lot of work getting people to work together, recognize each other, and develop rapport and teamwork; but it was the most rewarding too."

Filer said he believes in supporting others on their journey to self-improvement as well as making his own. He personally coached two Airmen on how to fast track their careers and both received accelerated promotions.

"I think my greatest accomplishment during the past year has been assisting individuals here manage their careers better," the 17-year veteran said. "When I got here we had about 8 awards a year in the unit, and this year we will have 102.

"It's why I stay in the (Air Force) Reserve; to help people and do something for my country." said Filer.

During his career he's served as a Navy corpsmen and been stationed in Okinawa, the Philippines, Washington D.C., Washington, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas and Alabama.

Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.

Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer