Air Force honors civilian employees with Public Service Recognition Week

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shane M. Phipps
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
The Air Force is currently paying homage to its civilian employees stationed around the globe, with Public Service Recognition Week, May 3 through 9.

The week is a nation-wide effort to recognize those who work in the federal, state, county and local governments. 

"It's great that we are given an opportunity to showcase all the great things we do, day in and day out as civilian Airmen," said Ron Cortopassi, 30th Space Wing executive director.

With more than 176,000 civilian Airmen stationed worldwide as part of the total force, providing a week to recognize such professionals is part of the Air Force priority to take care of its most valuable resource - the Airmen.

"Many who work in public service position do so altruistically and are content to fly under the radar," said Raymond Vasquez, 30th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer. "Setting aside a time period devoted to acknowledging these people reminds others of the superb service that is provided by the civilian and military Airmen alike."

Considering Vandenberg's space and missile missions thoroughly employ the use of highly-trained civilians, the week offers a valuable opportunity to further strengthen the already strong relationship between military and civilian operators on Vandenberg.

"Our mission is to provide indispensable launch, landing, and range capabilities to the nation," said Cortopassi. "A majority of the work involved in our mission doesn't require the direct action of trained warfighters. It's the role of civilians to fill the gap between what a contractor can do, and what is needed of the warfighter. It's much better for the nation when our warfighters can concentrate on what really matters - using the capabilities we provide to defend our nation."

Many agree the bond between civilian and military Airmen is particularly essential on Vandenberg, and observing a week to promote such a vital bond is paramount.

"I think at Vandenberg, even more so than many other places, civilians and military must work together in concert with each other on many projects," said Vasquez. "The rockets go nowhere without that tightknit relationship."

Regardless of their specific role in launch operations, Vandenberg's mission success relies on not only uniformed military members, but their civilian counterparts.

"Being able to advertise what we do and the varied roles we play in getting our mission done helps create pride in what and how we do our job," said Cortopassi. "Whether it is getting air pollution permits for generators or determining where debris would fall if a rocket is destroyed during flight, this base can't operate and we would not be successful in our mission without our dedicated civilian professionals. When we feel stronger about our job and our role in our mission, we do our jobs even better."