CINC IEA team visits McConnell AFB

Published Jan. 11, 2013
By Senior Airman Laura L. Valentine
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- For two days, McConnell AFB highlighted its hard work and dedication to the mission from the past year to a four-man assessment team from across the Air Force.

The base is competing for the coveted 2013 Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence Award and was visited by the assessment team Jan. 7 and 8, 2013.

The CINC IEA recognizes outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations who have done the best with their resources to support the mission. The award encourages environments that promote innovative and creative ways of enhancing base-level services, facilities and quality-of-life.

While at McConnell, the team visited more than 60 squadrons and agencies, meeting Airmen, civilians and family members from dozens of affiliated organizations.

Chosen as the Air Mobility Command's top installation, McConnell was evaluated by a separate IEA team in September 2012, and went on to compete against nine other bases for the top spot in the Air Force.

"This recognition is a tremendous achievement for McConnell Airmen, their families and our civic partners," said Col. Ricky Rupp, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, after winning the AMC nomination. "It represents all the phenomenal teamwork between the 22nd ARW and our Total Force partners, the 931st Air Refueling Group and the 184th Intelligence Wing. It's a huge win for McConnell and the Greater Wichita Area."

In November it was announced that McConnell had advanced to one of the two finalist positions and would compete against Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

Keesler AFB is home of the 81st Training Wing with a population of more than 12,000 military personnel and civilian employees.

McConnell has a total force population of more than 5,500 active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian employees.

The two bases advanced through the ranks of 166 other Air Force installations to become finalists.

The IE award is presented annually to one installation from each branch of service, along with a $1 million incentive to invest in quality-of-life projects.

Aspects of the base under assessment include quality-of-life improvements, green initiatives and innovative programs that help create and sustain superior operations and accomplishments. McConnell AFB's relationship and impact on the community were also analyzed.

Following the teams visit, Rupp expressed his appreciation to the base on a job well done.

"You all have worked extremely hard and it has not gone unnoticed, I sincerely appreciate all you've done for McConnell AFB and the Air Force. I couldn't be more proud."

The final results of the 2013 award will be announced in the upcoming months.