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7th CMS avionics flight earns Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kylee Thomas
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Every year since 1992, the Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award recognizes teams that improve operational performance, use a systematic approach to enhance mission capability and create sustained results. This year, it was awarded to the 7th Component Maintenance Squadron avionics flight.

“The award is something the Chief of Staff does to highlight a team that focuses on innovation and maintaining high standards,” said Master Sgt. Eduardo Villarreal, 7th CMS avionics section chief. “When I saw the package for this award, it really put into perspective how much our team has done.”

The 7th CMS avionics flight received the award by improving operation processes that saved the Air Force approximately $11.8 million in 2017.

“Our shop was able to win this award by simply sticking to the Air Force vision of innovation powered through Airmen,” said Villarreal.

The 65 Airmen in the flight all contributed to the improvements made to the shop. Some of these contributions include cross utilizing test packages, revitalizing their supply area and merging Airmen into one shift to focus more on training and their professional development.

“The innovations we implemented improved our shop in so many ways,” said Senior Airman Richard Deckard, 7th CMS avionics technician. “Since we cut down our schedule to a day shift only operation, we were able to integrate our newer Airmen with our more experienced Airmen. So far this has improved the level of training we receive and has given us the opportunity to focus on our own personal development.”

To win an award at Air Force level, a flight or an Airman must show outstanding work ethics and demonstrate the mission of the Air Force: to fly, fight and win. According to Deckard, receiving recognition on their hard work through such a prestigious award came as a huge shock to the whole team.

“Since earning this recognition, the morale in our shop has definitely increased,” said Villarreal. “It’s great when your Airmen are being pushed to do great things and then you see them be awarded for all of their effort. For them, seeing that their work is being appreciated was the most gratifying part about receiving the award.”

The 7th CMS avionics flight far exceeded expectations set by their leadership and earned the award as a trophy of acknowledgment for all they’ve done.

"I'm continually impressed by the pride and professionalism that our avionics Airmen display on a daily basis,” said Maj. Travis Lytton, 7th CMS commander. “They truly set the example for others to follow. This award is well deserved!"