Civilian wins AMC award second year in a row

Published Jan. 17, 2013
By Senior Airman Taylor Curry
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A civilian from the 92nd Medical Group was selected as the Air Mobility Command Biomedical Clinician Civilian of the Year recently.

Garth Johnson, family advocacy treatment manager, received the award for the second year running.

Johnson works with the prevention and treatment of family members who have been through some form of family abuse. He organizes men and women counseling groups and runs a parenting program that teaches parents how to respond to their children's needs in a positive manner.

"One of the challenges I face is working with many clients who come in and aren't very happy at first," said Johnson. "I assure them they are in a safe place, and that makes it easier for them to be optimistic and learn tools to help themselves so they don't need me."

Johnson had a number of accomplishments:

-Authorized a domestic violence program curriculum.

-Stepped up as the family advocacy chief during a nine-month staff shortage.

-Trained 40 new Air Force clinicians.

-Helped secure 16 thousand pounds of food for a Second Harvest food drive.

-Actively involved in local Boy Scouts of America chapter.

"Garth Johnson is an exceptional employee whose knowledge, expertise, and dedication have been key to the success of both the local and national Air Force Family Advocacy Programs," said Capt. Veronica Smith, 92nd Medical Operations Squadron. "His experience and leadership make him an invaluable asset to Fairchild as well as to the individuals and families we serve."

Johnson has been with the family advocacy program for almost 16 years.

"It's a challenging job, but it's also very rewarding to me," said Johnson. "Helping people get through difficult times is what it all comes down to at the end of the day, and it feels nice to be acknowledged for my efforts."