Inspector General assesses wing, recognizes superior performers Published July 11, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. -- In June, the Air Force Reserve Command Inspector General completed its Unit Compliance Inspection on the 459th Air Refueling Wing. Wing members improved, repaired or created the foundational support programs which comprise the UCI and some Airmen even received the AFRC IG Superior Team and Performer Awards, said Col. Tim Cahoon, 459th ARW commander. In a letter addressed to Liberators, Colonel Cahoon wrote, "All of your hard work over the last many months has paid off, and I am pleased to say 'thank you and congratulations.'" The colonel indicated the wing's UCI preparation will have far-reaching results that long outlast the IG's visit here. "You have put this wing back on path to running and maintaining programs the right way for the long haul," the colonel wrote. "Our support programs now help give us what we need for increased mission capability." The IG recognized the following team and individuals: -- Superior Team Security Forces Mobility Supply Team Tech. Sgts. Bryant Hamlor, Joseph Davis, and Jeffrey Barth, 459th SFS -- Superior Performers IG Trust Administrative Agents Staff Sgts. Major Haygood, Brandi Wyatt, 459th Communications Flight Intelligence Officer Capt. William Beuschel, 459th Operations Group Intelligence Emergency Management Flight Manager Tech Sgt. Richard Twitchell, 459th SFS Fire Training Facilitator Staff Sgt. Ulysses Taormina, 459th Civil Engineer Squadron Health and Safety Facilitator Staff Sgt. Michael Englehardt, 459th CES Fire Protection Superintendent Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Kram, 459th CES Command Post Training Manager Master Sgt. Steven Hensley, 459th ARW Readiness Program Manager Tech. Sgt. Michelle Hall, 459th Services Squadron Although the commander acknowledged that some tasks are farther than others from completion, he wrote that the wing has "already come a very long way and can soon closeout those remaining items." While the wing's achievements during the UCI were collective, success seemed to depend primarily on the efforts of each wing member. "There were many challenges during the UCI, but the long hours and hard work seemed well worth it in the end," said Staff Sgt. Heather Ashbeck, 459th Command Post command and control procedures training manager. "I'm lucky to work with Master Sgt. (Steve) Hensley, who pushed me hard to successfully get through the inspection." Colonel Cahoon explained that in light of the magnitude of the tasks, wing members rose to the occasion to establish a blueprint for improvement. "Of the IG findings, there were few with flaws of which we weren't previously aware ... that is remarkable considering the size of our chore when we began preparations last fall," Colonel Cahoon said. The commander also gave kudos to the 459th Maintenance Group, stating that group members "kicked butt" on their Maintenance Standards and Evaluation Program Inspection with the Headquarters AFRC A4 maintenance inspection team. "This was a huge effort for all members of the maintenance team, and they should be rightfully proud of their accomplishments," Colonel Cahoon said, adding that he was informed the inspection team "did not cut any slack" during the "tough inspection." Similarly, Colonel Cahoon in his letter to Liberators noted the 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron handily passed their Health Services Inspection. "They have worked extremely hard over the last year to prepare for this inspection and to set a firm foundation for continued success and combat capability," the colonel said. "The 459th ASTS proved they are ready to provide capable medical support to deployed forces." The 459th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron had their HSI postponed, but expect to host the inspection team in November.