507th Fuels Management Flight wins AFRC Golden Derrick Award

by Senior Airman Mark Hybers
507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

5/9/2014 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 507th Fuels Management Flight was awarded the American Petroleum Institute's 2013 Golden Derrick Award May 4 at the May commander's call. The award, presented by Col. Brian S. Davis, 507th Air Refueling Wing commander, is the first in wing history.

The award is a yearly competition amongst all fuels management flights across the Air Force Reserve Command and is based on more than just fuels management. The criteria include direct mission support, innovative management and quality of life programs.

In a written statement announcing this year's winner, Brig. Gen. Gary Blaszkiewicz, AFRC Logistics director, said the selection process was difficult because of the exemplary performance of the nominees; however, the level of excellence displayed by the 507th Fuels Management Flight proved second to none.

"This is a monumental accomplishment for the members of our 507th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight," said Col. Joseph Revit, 507th Mission Support Group commander.

Direct mission support accomplishments included supplying 5.3 million pounds of jet fuel with zero mishaps, meeting 102 training goals and having zero safety discrepancies, just to name a few.

According to Lt. Col. Trina Hood, the 507th LRS commander, the fuels shop also excelled in several innovative management areas.

"They created demonstration videos, comprehensive multi-period checklists for UTA training events, and developed their own checkpoint worksheet," Hood said. "A lot of effort goes into creating their annual training plan, but it pays off big when they are out on the flight line supporting the warfighter with top-notch service."

The team from the fuels shop also had a busy year in the quality of life programs area. They were part of seven veteran events and dedicated over 200 hours in the City Rescue Mission food pantry - delivering an estimated 156,000 pounds of food to families in need. They also volunteered time for disaster relief after the record-breaking EF-5 tornado ripped through Moore.

"I think it sends a clear message that fuels is a dependable portion of the total support package required to launch each flying mission, thereby enabling the 507th ARW to maintain our wartime readiness posture," Revit said. "Our assigned fuelers should be proud of their accomplishments and this should serve as an example for others to emulate."

Hood said training is the key to their success and the fuels members are nothing short of experts in their field. "They are the pride of logistics!"