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Total Force Airmen highlighted in Civilian Recognition Program

  • Published
  • By SrA Cierra Presentado
  • 319 ABW/PA
Recently a Grand Forks Air Force Base civilian was recognized by the commander for exceptional performance as part of the civilian recognition program.

The civilian recognition program is in place to foster mission accomplishments by recognizing excellence in its civilian employees and motivate them to high levels of performance and service.

“We care for our civilians just as we do our military members,” said Col Benjamin Spencer, 319th Air Base Wing commander. “The Civilian Recognition Program is a great way to reward and recognize our civilian Airmen.”

Les Canarr, 319th Civil Engineer Squadron deputy base civil engineer, was recently awarded the 2017 Harry P. Reitman award for his exceptional service in the 319th CES.

“I believe the Air Forces Civilian Recognition Program is an outstanding program where we get a chance to provide special highlights to key contributions that our civilian workforce brings to the fight,” said Canarr. “It provides accolades to those individuals who have demonstrated how they have espoused out Air Force values in the day to day performance of their duties, thereby allowing others to gain insight into who is impacting and energizing our Air Force the most.”

There are many ways in which an immediate supervisor can award a civilian employee. Detailed guidance on what awards are available, eligibility requirements and who can submit or approve the awards can be found in the Air Force Instruction 36-1004, The Air Force Civilian Recognition Program.

“Right now, the most common awards we see here in the wing are the notable achievement and the time-off award,” said Jeffrey Cariveau, 319th Force Support Squadron civilian personnel officer. “Supervisors should submit these awards as they would with a military award, electronic staff summary sheet, routed through the command, either the group commander or wing commander will be the final approving authority.”

So far this year, nine civilians have received an honorary award, 15 have received the notable achievement award and 61 have received the time off award.

For questions on the process of submitting civilians for awards, contact the civilian personnel office at 747-5041.