2000 annual weather awards

Mobility Forum, Jul/Aug 2001

Fawbush-Miller Award For Oustandling Air Force Operational Weather Squadron of the year. 15th Operational Weather Squadron Scott AFB, Illinois

The 15th Operational Weather Squadron is the recipient of the United States Air Force Fawbush-- Miller Award recognizing the Outstanding Operational Weather Squadron performing the most outstanding weather support, operations, and training. During 2000, the squadron pioneered the use of database and web technologies to produce and disseminate over 3 million forecasts for 126 Air Force and Army active duty, guard and reserve flying units in a 22-state area of responsibility. Their total integration with mission planners re-routing weather restricted C-5 and C-17 missions ensured pinpoint selection of favorable air refueling tracks and airfields resulting in cost avoidance in excess of $12M.

The 15th Operational Weather Squadron was formed as part of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force's weather reengineering effort and commenced operations on 19 February 1999. The 125-- person regional forecast center reaches full operating capability in June 2001 and provides direct meteorological support to the Tanker Airlift Control Center and total force flying missions in the northeast United States.

Outstanding AMC Weather Operations Support AMC Company Grade Officer Of The Year Capt Jeffrey C. Jarry 15th Operational Weather Squadron Scott AFB Illinois

Outstanding AMC Weather Operations Support Senior NO Of The Year MSgt Scott C, Copeland 319th Air Refueling Wing Grand Forks AFB North Dakota

Outstanding AMC Weather Operations . NCO Of The Year SSgt Valerie A. Smith 92nd Air Refueling Wing Fairchild AFB Washington

Outstanding AMC Weather Operations Support Airman Of The Year AlC Mark E. Sterling 89th Airlift Wing Andrews AFB Maryland

Outstanding AMC Weather Operations Support Civilian Of The Year. Mr. Michael S. Fietek 92nd Air Refueling Wing Fairchild AFB Washington

Oustanding AMC Weather Staff Support Weather Station Of The Year 89th Operational Support Squadron 89th Airlift Wing

Andrews AFB Maryland

Outstanding AMC Weather Staff Support Officer Of The Year Capt Jimmie L. Trigg 15th Operational Weather Squadron Scott AFB Illinois

Outstanding AMC Weather Staff Support NCO Of The Year SMSgt Paul A. Rano 15th Operational Weather Squadron Scott AFB Illinois

Best Award For

Outstanding Air Force Weather Staff Support NCO of the Year

Senior Master Sergeant Paul A. Rano

Superintendent, Weather Operations 15th Operational Weather Squadron Scott AFB, Illinois

Senior Master Sergeant Paul A. Rano, Superintendent, Weather Operations, 15 Ih Operational Weather Squadron, is recipient of the United States Air Force Best Award recognizing individual excellence by a member providing staff weather or space environmental support. Sergeant Rano was a key player in developing an automated flight weather briefing scheduling system that was adopted as the Air Force standard. The resulting increases in efficiency allowed the Air Force's Operational Weather Squadrons to more effectively manage workloads and ensure more timely delivery of flight weather briefings to aviation customers around the world.

Sergeant Rano entered the Air Force in September 1980 and began his career as a Weather Observer at Fort Deavens, Massachusetts. During his 21 -year career he has completed duty assignments in the Philippines, Korea. Germany, and various CONUS locations. He assumed his current position in January 1999. MIN William A, Jenner Award For

Outstanding Air Force Weather Civilian of the year

Mr. Michael S. Fietek Weather Forecaster 92nd Air Refueling Wing

Fairchild AFB, Washington

Mr. Michael S. Fietek, Weather Forecaster, is the recipient of the United States Air Force Mr. William A. Jenner Award individual leadership and excellence by a civilian performing Aerospace Weather Operations. Mr. Fietek provided superb weather support to the 92d Air Refueling Wing with outstanding weather warning and mission weather verification rates, as well as product error-free rates. His outstanding rapport with 92d Air refueling Wing aircrews set the highest standards for customer satisfaction.

Mr. Michael S. Fietek hails from Flensburg, Minnesota. He began his weather career as an Observer at Fairchild AFB WA in 1956. During his 28 year career he completed duty assignments in Guam, Germany, Thailand, and various CONUS locations. He retired as a SMSgt and Chief of Weather Station Operations at Fairchild AFB in 1984. Following his retirement, Mr. Fietek was hired as a civilian forecaster.