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15th Mission Support Squadron celebrates two AF level awards

  • Published
  • By Chris Aguinaldo
  • Hickam Kukini editor
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  When four of five flights within the 15 MSS were named "Best in PACAF" just a few months ago, Major Steven M. Zubowicz, Commander of the 15th Mission Support Squadron knew that it was an indicator of the excellence of his people. 

That's been confirmed as Hickam's Airmen and Family Readiness Flight was recently named the best in the Air Force. Also, PACAF's Base-Level Senior Personnel Manager winner Christina Smith, 15 MSS/DPMPD, went on to achieve the Air Force- level honor.
"Winning these awards only validates the exceptional work I see every day," shared Maj. Zubowicz, adding that he's "very proud to lead" those serving in the 15 MSS. 

He also pointed out that he's seen the squadron "ready" when the days weren't ordinary, as well. "It was great to see our professionals apply their readiness skills in the Operational Readiness Inspection. Wartime readiness is our top priority and I knew the men and women of the 15 MSS would positively contribute to the wing's success in the Personnel Deployment Function, Reception Center, PERSCO, and Non-combatant Evacuation Operations." 

Maria Barrows, director of the Airmen and Family Readiness Center agreed, recalling the NEO activity, seeing how dedicated people were to their jobs during the Operational Readiness Inspection. 

And those who are willing to give so much deserve to be part of a strong community, she added. 

"One of our goals is to promote resiliency," Barrows said. "We want our Airmen to handle what they encounter in their lives -- to be strong in their families and in the Air Force."
With that in mind, the center offers an astounding array of programs and outreach, ranging from financial workshops, help with understanding children, how to deal with deployment and more. 

On the evening of April 22, the center has a putting golf night for spouses and family members of those deployed, on remote tour or recently returned. It's a night of entertainment, games, food and a chance to connect with others "in the Air Force family," said Barrows 

They're also sponsoring a Keiki ID card sign up at the BXtra on April 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. in celebration of the Month of the Military Child. 

Barrows says they can do what they do because of the support from the leadership, squadron and volunteers. 

"Our entire squadron helps them, giving time and volunteering," Maj. Zubowicz said, underscoring how members of the 15 MSS are integral to each others' successes. "I'm very proud of the service across the board in the squadron." 

That's apparent at the MPF, as well, as indicated in Smith's award. "It's an individual award but it reflects the professionalism and standards of the team. Tina and the MPF are working very hard. A lot of their concepts are listed as Air Force benchmarks and that gives us validation." 

Maj. Zubowicz said the awards will be formally given on the mainland later this month and the winners recognized afterwards back home here at Hickam.