Sheppard clinches Verne Orr award

by Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

6/2/2014 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 982nd Training Group here received the Verne Orr award for the 2013 fiscal year.

The award is presented annually by the Air Force Association to a unit or organization that most effectively uses its resources to accomplish the Air Force mission.

The group is annually responsible for 48 detachments globally, 34,518 graduates, 582 international students and credits the earning of the award to the work of its Airmen.

"It's a good feeling to recognize folks for the good work they're doing," said Col. Bernard Hatch, 982nd TRG commander.

The recognition comes as an important factor for the morale readiness of the troops who complete the mission on a daily basis.

"Everybody has an opportunity to compete for a multitude of awards, but very seldom do you win an Air Force level award," Hatch said. "Having that recognition that we are effectively using our resources and doing great work for the Air Force is important for morale. It's a nod that we're doing the best that we can for the Air Force and we'll continue to do that in the future."

Chief Master Sgt. Michael Hight, knows their success is a habit fostered through hard work ethic and passionate personnel.

"That's inherent in what we do as a profession," he said. "I don't think there's anybody who wears this uniform that doesn't want to succeed."

Hight holds the need to lead by example and emphasize customer feedback in high regard.

"This award comes from the hard work and dedication of each and every member in our unit, all 1,130 of them," he said.

Hatch values the experience of his instructor personnel and is enthusiastic about the effect they have on molding future Air Force personnel for leadership and subject matter competency.

"The opportunity for them to make great maintainers and communicators is really what we're all about," he said.

Having been responsible for an estimated 20 percent of Air Education Training Command students, Hatch wants to continue to use educational capability to better the Airmen they serve with.

"I have a great affinity for the mission, but I'm inspired by the people who drive it," he said.