Minot manpower analyst best in AF

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  An Air Force Global Strike Command manpower specialist from the 5th Force Support Squadron here was named the 2010 Air Force Manpower and Personnel Flight Specialist of the Year for her outstanding work performance, leadership, community involvement and self-improvement efforts.

Amanda Jones, 5th FSS manpower specialist, earned this award for managing the Department of Defense's only dual-nuclear base operating support capability, overseeing more than 2,000 billets, 150 intercontinental ballistic missiles and 27 B-52H Stratofortress aircraft.

"Our office assists Air Force Global Strike Command, 5th Bomb Wing, and 91st Missile Wing leadership in making sound resource decisions in order to maximize unit efficiency and effectiveness," said Ms. Jones. "We initiate and facilitate resources through organizational evaluation, manpower requirements determination, during both peace and wartime, and promote an environment consistent with continuous process improvement. The scope of our mission is critical because budget constraints force us to find ways to accomplish the mission better, faster and cheaper."

Her job is important to every unit on this base, and because of that high level of importance, she admits the job can be challenging at times.

"I am expected to have a thorough understanding of all functions and career fields on the base in order to provide the most viable human resource suggestions possible," she said. "At times, it is difficult to fully understand my own career, let alone everyone else's."

While her job is quite challenging at times, it has allowed her to overcome may obstacles and be recognized for it.

Ms. Jones was recognized for guiding AFGSC's largest base operating support intra-command transfer, with $164 million worth of assets upheld. She also validated $22.5 million in base operating support capital and provided seamless service to 4,438 Minot AFB facilities and military family housing.

Aside from her very busy job, Ms. Jones spends much of her off-time by helping others in need.

"I like to help disadvantaged families who find themselves faced with unforeseen difficulties," said Ms. Jones. "In particular, I enjoy providing support to the Minot Area Homeless Coalition. This organization works industriously to provide area families with basic human needs like food and housing; something many of us can take for granted if we haven't faced the harsh realities of a declining economy."

This year, she said the manpower office provided more than 100 hygiene packets including washcloths, shampoo, toothpaste and soap, as well as $650 worth of school supplies to support their efforts.

Ms. Jones' supervisor, Judi Green, 5th FSS Manpower and Organization chief, said Ms. Jones has been an asset to the base since the day she first arrived.

"Amanda has demonstrated not only her knowledge of manpower, but also her big heart," said Ms. Green. "During her deployment as an enlisted member, she organized a drive for medical and art supplies for an orphanage, which resulted in more than $1,400 being collected and distributed to 250 children."

Her supervisor said it was no surprise that Ms. Jones was selected for this award.

"She puts her customers first and always goes the extra mile for them as evidenced by her selection as the Air Force Manpower Specialist of the Year, as well as the Air Force Manpower Non-commissioned Officer of the Year in 2008," said Ms. Green.

Even though Ms. Jones won the award, she doesn't hesitate in giving credit to the rest of her shop.

"I don't think I was any more qualified for this award than any one individual in my office," said Ms. Jones. "The Manpower and Organization office consistently works together to develop appropriate human resource recommendations and premium customer service. In fact, I don't really feel like this award is mine exclusively, but rather a representation of the devotion of my team."

Ms. Jones is happy she received this award, but says it doesn't affect the way she works, as she has always given it her all.

"While it is an honor to be recognized, the aspect of the job that pushes me to achieve results is my customers," she said. "I have the pleasure of serving not only this fine Air Force, but thousands of hardworking men and women who have critical missions to focus on. If I can take a moment of my time to alleviate any human resource challenges they may be facing, then in the end, they are available to protect our base, launch our missiles, and man our facilities. That, to me, is the bottom line."