Wing Safety recognized as best in Air Force

The 86th Airlift Wing safety office won the Air Force Chief of Safety Achievement Award for ground safety, Category 2 Feb. 4.

The unit was recognized for its outstanding achievement in ground safety program management for maintaining the largest and most complex base in U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa during 2012.

“There were a bunch of people who came together and helped bring our office into the 21st century,” said Staff Sgt. John Paul Diaz, 86th AW safety office ground safety specialist. “We implemented new technological advances that make tracking data be able to give us a shorter turnaround time to the squadrons who need it.”

The 86th AW safety office provides service for all of USAFE-AFAFRICA. They manage facilities, conduct inspections, track fire and health hazards, as well as manage programs for three wings with 54,000 Americans in the KMC and a $1.25 billion fleet of 29 aircraft.

“For as large of a scale that our program covers, it’s great that the Air Force is capturing and recognizing that,” said Master Sgt. Christopher Wolfe, 86th AW ground safety superintendent. “In general, it’s hard to measure how well
we’re doing, so we’re flattered and honored to be able to accept this award.”

This is the first Air Force-level award they have won in three years. The agency has made a drastic transformation over the last few years when it comes to the way the organization does their day-to-day tasks.

“Disagreement is not disrespect,” said Richard Garsnett, 86th AW safety and occupational health manager. “We share ideas and best practices and remain open to better ways to accomplish solutions to challenging safety topics and issues.”

Hard work and dedication is the focal point of success. In order to thrive, Airmen must work together and strive to be the best and complete the mission at hand.

“The best safety organization operates as a cohesive team and together, no task is too great for the Ramstein safety team,” Garsnett said. “Bottom line, there is no “I” in team. Our Ramstein safety team works as a unified organization to keep Ramstein healthy, successful, flexible and adaptable to change.”