TEC receives 9th Air Force Organizational Excellence Award Published May 30, 2012 By Master Sgt. Mavi Smith I.G. Brown Training and Education Center McGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. -- The I.G. Brown Training and Education Center, or TEC, received its ninth Air Force Organizational Excellence Award for accomplishments achieved from Oct. 1, 2010 to Sep. 30, 2011. The Air Force Organizational Excellence Award is awarded to unnumbered units, such as centers, that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or achievement. "It's pretty impressive," said Col. Tim Cathcart, commander of the TEC. "Since 1968, this organization has been here doing great things. I think this just underscores how over the years it has consistently been a high performing organization that's really done a lot of good for the Air National Guard and America." From the Paul H. Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) Center to the unique missions of the Transformative Education branch and Media and Engagement Division, every member of the TEC contributed to the award. "It wasn't just one person that made this happen, it was a whole team effort," said Staff Sgt. Chalanda Roberts, a combat correspondent. "It's good to know we all worked together and accomplished something this big." Among the many accomplishments cited for the 2011 honor was EPME's flawless execution of 15 classes of Airman Leadership School, Noncommissioned Officer Academy, and satellite broadcast version of both programs. Through these courses EPME directly impacted the leadership skills of 1,769 enlisted members of the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Air Force. The Transformative Education branch continued to provide training to audiences worldwide at a fraction of industry prices. Through its advanced distributive learning initiative they met the training needs of nearly 100,000 Air Force members with the on-line delivered Nuclear Weapons Related Materiel Fundamentals training program. The Media and Engagement Division focused on its goal to create awareness, promote understanding, and reinforce the identity and value of the National Guard. It established the National Guard's first daily news report, the Minuteman Report, and developed a social media strategy to deliver it worldwide. Designed to convey the National Guard story the program airs 88 times a day to 20 million households in 177 countries. Additionally, all members of the TEC assisted in projects which enhanced the center's campus, strengthened relationships with customers, and supported the local community. "This award is a fulfillment of all our efforts," said Master Sgt. Darrell Crowe, a senior EPME instructor. "You give your best everyday and it really means a lot to be recognized...it makes it all worthwhile." "We have a lot of great people doing a lot of great work," said Cathcart. "I think that the reach and capability of this small organization here in East Tennessee, really demonstrates the excellence we have and the value that we add to the Air National Guard and America." About The Award The Air Force Organizational Excellence Award is awarded to unnumbered units such as centers, field operating agencies, direct reporting units, and any other unnumbered organizations who have distinguished themselves during peacetime or against hostile forces by exceptionally meritorious service or achievement. The award recognizes acts or services that place the unit's performance significantly above that of other units of similar composition and mission responsibility. Personnel assigned to the TEC anytime during the period of Oct. 1, 2010, to Sep. 30, 2011, are authorized to wear the award ribbon or appropriate cluster if they directly contributed to its mission and accomplishments. Civilians are authorized wear of the award lapel button.