Laughlin unit, members take top AETC awards Published Nov. 13, 2007 By Senior Airman Olufemi Owolabi 47th Flying Training Wing LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Air Education and Training Command recently announced the winners of the 2007 Mission Support Program Awards, and Laughlin AFB's 47th Force Support Squadron stood tall earning two outstanding unit and two individual awards. The 47th FSS garnered two first-places for running the most outstanding mission support squadron and most outstanding military personnel flight programs. To crown it all, two members of the squadron--Master Sgt. David Drotts and Mrs. Rosemary Capozziello--also took top honors. "It is a very humbling experience to win a functional award," Sergeant Drotts said. "It provides feedback on how well we are performing in comparison to others of similar rank across our command." Sergeant Drotts received the installation-level manpower and organization award for professional excellence while Mrs. Capozziello garnered the civilian personnel intermediate program manager award. "These AETC awards are an important recognition not only for the 47th FSS, but the entire wing, because the 47th Flying Training Wing is known throughout the Air Force for its outstanding innovation and teamwork," said Maj. Thomas Ballard, 47th FSS commander. Members of the 47th MSS and Services Division who merged and became the 47th FSS in May 5, 2007 are not new to recognition for excellent performance. Shortly after the merger, the team achieved an "Excellent" rating on the Operational Readiness Inspection. "Our key to success then was the same as it is today--teamwork," Major Ballard said. "Our new squadron is responsible for all the 'People Programs' at Laughlin AFB," he said. "We take this responsibility very seriously, and we're working to identify and exploit every synergy possible in order to better serve Laughlin." The major said the squadron has now entered the last month of the FSS test-phase. "We've proven to the Air Force that this is a successful organizational structure, and we've led the way and shown other bases how to accomplish the same. I'm very proud of each and every one of my 47th FSS teammates." Having won at the AETC level, recipients will advance to the Air Force level of competition. "I am very proud to be representing the 47th FSS and especially proud to be representing Laughlin," Mrs. Capozziello said. "This has been a very challenging year in the personnel community. Knowing what outstanding work is being done by my counterparts at other Air Force bases, I know it's going to be a tough competition. I'm just proud that the work being done at Laughlin is being recognized." Furthermore, she attributed winning such an award to total team effort from the start. Everybody has been extremely supportive, she said. "When you have a team of hard-working specialists who are willing to step up and just do whatever is necessary without hesitation, you can't help but succeed," she added. "We have been doing more with less and yet have managed to not only survive but excel. This award recognizes that total teamwork." "Building the Air Force's first Force Support Squadron has taken innovative thinking, hard work and long hours," said Col. Roger Thrasher, 47th Mission Support Group commander. "All that effort has paid off with both individual and unit recognition for a job well done. I'm very proud of the entire 47th FSS for winning these awards and for taking care of Laughlin's people day in and day out."