JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The 628th Force Support Squadron recently won six awards at the Air Mobility Command level for 2013.
The awards include Youth Program of the Year, Golf Program of the Year, Force Support Senior Noncommissioned officer of the Year, Airman and Family Readiness Program of the Year, Family Child Care Provider of the Year, and Library Program of the Year.
"The squadron mission is so diversified and unique, to be recognized at the command level for the hard work we do every day is amazing," said Lt. Col. Jennifer Judd, 628th FSS commander. "I am very proud of the work completed by the entire team to meet the mission needs of both bases."
Youth Program of the Year
The 628th FSS was recognized as the Youth Program of the Year in part because their advisors led various camps and programs, helping the lives of more than 50 youth members. Additionally, Kimberly King, a Goose Creek sophomore, was recognized as Military Youth of the Year for partnering with the local community and volunteering more than 2,300 hours to better the lives of individuals.
Golf Program of the Year
Revenue in the golf program was increased in 2013, thanks to opportunities such as Joint Base Charleston Night Golf, low cost intramural golfing and hosting 53 Air Force and Navy golf tournaments. Additionally, the golf program instituted hybrid lawn mowers to reduce the cost of gas, and re-engineered the grill menu in the club, streamlining expenses.
The program also welcomed new golfers with "Get Golf Ready" clinics and offered free games to children who were accompanied with an adult.
Force Support Senior NCO of the Year
Master Sgt. Candice Lemon was selected as the Air Mobility Command Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Lemon stood out among her peers as she was heavily involved in the community, as well as the Air Force, volunteering to march in the local Veteran's Day Parade and being the point of contact for the Base Picnic, an event enjoyed by more than 2,700 Team Charleston members.
Airman and Family Readiness Center of the Year
The JB Charleston Airman and Family Readiness Center hosts the largest Key Spouse program in AMC. More than 1,000 families were sponsored by 33 Key Spouses (Air Base) and Ombudsman (Weapons Station.) Additionally, the "Military Saves Campaign" garnished 905 pledges and was ranked number one by the Department of the Navy for total savings.
Family Child Care Provider of the Year
As a family child care provider, Amanda Hullinger enacted a variety of programs to involve parents in what's going on in their child's life while under her care. This included hosting four group activities. She also created expansive daily reports, which included sending parents photos of their child engaged in an activity throughout the day.
Library of the Year
A $442,000 renovation was completed at the Weapons Station library, the first since 1960, resulting in library patronage doubling. The library also partnered with 10 local base offices to expand the programs they offer to include adding a game night and photo class, which receive participation from 500 members of Joint Base Charleston.
Many other achievements occurred between the JB Charleston - Air Base and Weapons Stations libraries, to promote reading and library usage making it a viable asset to servicemembers including streamlining the registration process so by signing up at one library, the patron has signed up at the other as well.