Air Force Association awards AETC civilian employees Published Feb. 13, 2009 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Air Education and Training Command officials recently announced its winners for the 2009 Air Force Association Outstanding Air Force Civilian Employee of the Year awards, recognizing the command's top civilian employee achievements. These individuals will compete in the Air Force level competition. The civilian employee award winners are: Civilian Wage Employee Robert P. Gaskell, 56th Maintenance Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz., is the sole civilian inspector assigned to the largest quality assurance section in the command. His maintenance experience is credited with enabling more than 28,000 sorties. He performed 401 inspections critical to the generation of 345 F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots and 455 mission-ready Airmen for the War on Terrorism. He also became certified in egress and throttle inspections, alleviating a 23 percent manning shortage and directly contributing to his selection as the 56th Fighter Wing Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award winner for 2008. Civilian Program Specialist Michael J. Robinson, 71st Operations Support Squadron, Vance AFB, Okla., supervised a team of more than 40 air traffic controllers in the Air Force's second busiest facility, contributing to Air Force Facility of the Year honors. He also completed 36 position certifications, assuring the safe transition of all aircraft through the base's 12,000 square miles of complex airspace. He is proficient in 17 more operating positions than required. He demonstrated his controlling expertise by flawlessly recovering 40 in-flight emergencies, ensuring the safe recovery of more than 50 pilots and $240 million in Air Force assets. Civilian Program Manager John E. Kain, AETC/A7, Randolph AFB, led a team to develop a command energy program to reduce a $108 million utility budget and meet Presidential conservation goals. His innovative Retail Electric Provider contract is planned to save $100 million over the 50-year life of the contract. He also developed 10 Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century initiatives slated to save $10 million annually. Civilian Senior Manager Michael J. Noret, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron, Goodfellow AFB, Texas, prepared his base for the use of $6.9 million in sustainment, restoration and modernization facility projects. He planned a congressionally-funded $5.8 million fitness center addition and led the base housing privatization project, saving the Air Force $72 million in construction. He also organized a 101 acre gift offer from the City of San Angelo valued at more than $600,000. His integrated planning garnered AETC support for three projects, valued at $34 million, in the defense program.