TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma -- Technical Sgt. Regina D. Rector was recognized by the Air Force Reserve Command on December 9 as the AFRC Ground Safety NCO of the Year.

Tech. Sgt. Regina Rector, the former ground safety manager for the 931st Air Refueling Group, McConnell AFB, Kansas, transferred to the 507th ARW at Tinker AFB in July.

One highlight of her ground safety program efforts culminated in zero lost group work days due to mishaps and only $240 in mishap costs achieving the lowest number of mishaps in 931st ARG history.

Rector said she was honored to receive the award and stated the credit for that record could not have been reached without the efforts of the men and women at McConnell.
"It has to be leadership, because I can't be everywhere. It's all the supervisors, all the individuals and all the commanders." Rector said. "They have to be engaged in their safety program in order to reduce mishaps. As long as they maintain that level of engagement, I think the 931st will keep that record. "

Col. William H. Mason, Commander, 931st ARG, said the accomplishments are evidence that total force integration initiatives can be successful when managed properly.

"These honors are a testament to the professionalism of our people. The safety office is one of the most integrated shops we have with the host-unit 22nd Air Refueling Wing," said Mason. "This shows that working with our active duty counterparts works. Congratulations to our safety professionals on a job well done and honors well deserved."

During the award period Sergeant Rector developed and launched a Safety sharepoint site to provide unit safety representatives with critical support, briefs, and data to assist their unit programs. Her ingenious USR training program facilitated superior group-wide SE training supporting nine squadrons and 665 members.

Sergeant Rector was also praised for her robust inspection regiment, critical analysis of 15 major inspections and 9 staff assistance visits which identified and helped avoid 30 potential safety hazards. Officials praised Sergeant Rector as a model safety professional and an energetic participant of the AFRC ground and weapons steering groups. In her award nomination package her supervisor cites her as an innovative program manager who provides unparalleled customer service.

(Brannen Parrish, 931st ARG Public Affairs contributed to this story.)