Raising the bar three: Grissom ATC personnel earn command-level awards

Published May 10, 2012
By Senior Airman Jami K. Lancette
434 ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Excellence once can lead to recognition and accolades, but continued excellence can raise the bar and set new standards.

Three of Grissom's best just raised that bar a little higher as they carried on a tradition of excellence with the 434th Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Control section.

Col. Darrel L. Dempsey Air Traffic Control Officer of the Year for 2011

Robert Ulibarri, airfield operations manager, was honored for the third time during his career here with a Col. Darrel L. Dempsey Air Traffic Control Officer of the Year for 2011 award.

According to his award nomination package, under Ulibarri's direct leadership and managerial oversight, the airfield operations section received a 98 percent on an air traffic system evaluation program inspection and was key to the 434th Air Refueling Wing's success during a recent unit compliance inspection.

Ulibarri said his success was helped by those he works with and their efforts to implement five goals he set out for Grissom's ATC after taking the airfield operations manager position.

"My goals were to enhance the airspace, upgrade airfield environment systems and upgrade base operations," said Ulibarri. "The fourth goal was to get a better control tower and radar approach facility, and finally to build a strong team -- now we have built a really strong team."

Col. Christopher Amend, 434th Operations Group commander, Ulibarri's accomplishments have not only improved Grissom but also influenced the entire Air Force.

"Bob is an outstanding manager and pacesetter with a vast array of resourcefulness, skills and knowledge; an acclaimed and accomplished leader," said Amend. "Mr. Ulibarri's diligent devotion and duty to 434th ARW goals and mission reflect wholly upon the operational readiness of the airfield operations sections and 434th ARW making Grissom the wing of choice."

Air Force Reserve Command Air Traffic Control Training Achievement of the Year for 2011

Robert Moore, training and standardization manager, was recently awarded the AFRC Air Traffic Control Training Achievement of the Year for 2011.

"Throughout this past year, Robert Moore has excelled in all facets as training and standardization manager," said Amend. "Bob has impressively forged ahead in making the Grissom's ATC training program a bench mark program."

"This training program is stellar and reflects in the outstanding workforce, providing daily quality air traffic control services to a vast area of central Indiana," Amend added.

Moore, who has been the training program manager for eight years, does his part to ensure that mission readiness is a top priority.

"(I) train, evaluate training and perform annual evaluations and crew evaluations to ensure they're meeting ATC guidelines and procedures," explained Moore.

His continued excellence hasn't gone unnoticed as Moore was also recognized by Col. William T. "Tim" Cahoon, 434th ARW commander, for a "showcase" tower simulator program that is utilized to show congressional visitors and other civic leaders what Grissom has to offer.

In addition to his duties in ATC, Moore also uses his talents in many other areas at Grissom.

"His vast array of expertise does not stop with the training program as Bob provides assistance in many other areas of the organization, which help make the 434th ARW the 'wing of choice,'" said Amend.

AFRC Air Traffic Controller of the Year for 2011

Theresa Wilson, air traffic controller, was recently named the AFRC Air Traffic Controller of the Year for 2011.

Described as a highly knowledgeable and instrumental in the application of ATC duties, Wilson role at Grissom is to manage military, civilian and commercial air traffic between Chicago and Indianapolis, going as far west as Lafayette, Ind., up to 10,000 feet.

With the word "outstanding" used almost ten times in her award nomination package, it should come as no surprise that Wilson is considered the best of the best by her superiors.

"Theresa is our best controller," said Ulibarri. "She is a team player; you can ask for help and she will always be the first one to step forward."

That commitment to going above and beyond without hesitation along with her technical profecicency is what Amend said puts Wilson above the rest.

"Theresa is well respected by her peers and has been lauded by management as 'outstanding' when given a complex task in any situation," he explained. "Ms. Wilson's 'outstanding' performance and professionalism exceed the normal expectations of any controller, setting the standard for other controllers to follow and meet."

Asked about how she feels about being recognized the best, Wilson said she was excited.

"I'm thrilled that I got put in for it," she said.

The 434th ARW at Grissom is the largest KC -135R Stratotanker unit in the AFRC. Stay connected with the 434th on Twitter and Facebook.

(Editor's note: Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner contributed to this story.)

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Raising the bar three: Grissom ATC personnel earn command-level awards

Public Affairs Staff