BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
For the first time in 8th Air Force history, a Reserve Safety Office and its Active Duty counterpart were jointly recognized with the 2009 Safety Program of the Year award.
"I'm proud of what we've been able to achieve with our 9th Reconnaissance Wing partners," said Lt. Col Lewis Harding, the 940th Wing's Chief Safety Officer.
Together, the two Wings' safety offices oversee nearly 40 squadrons, 8 worldwide operating locations and nearly 7000 Active Duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian personnel.
"Safety is the preservation of combat capability, and keeping that many people safe and preserving that many assets is a tremendous responsibility," Harding said.
Harding started working with the 9 RW safety office during the BRAC-directed mission change in the Reserve wing.
"I was amazed at the scope of the 9th safety office," said Harding. "I thought to myself, well, if you want to practice your trade and make a difference, this is the place."
At the direction of the wing's newly appointed commander, Col. Jeffrey Mineo, Harding set out to fully integrate with his active duty counterparts. The 8 AF award is a direct result of the integration efforts between the two safety offices.
"My philosophy is an 'either/or' approach, and I preach it in both wings," said Harding. "No matter who cuts your paycheck every month, you should be able to step in the other wing's safety office and run their program. I think we are there, and I think this recognition speaks to that. Every SAV and inspection we've had in the last couple of years has recognized our success in TFI safety efforts."
Harding believes both offices are better as a result. "I'll tell you this has been a very rewarding time for me personally. I'm truly grateful to have been a part of this, and I think we have done well for future generations of Beale Airmen."