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Andersen AFB civilian named AFA Outstanding Civilian of the Year

  • Published
  • By U.S. Navy Airman Jeri Moore
  • Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Each year, the Air Force Association recognizes four Air Force civilian employees for outstanding achievement.

On January 12, Gerard Barnes, the Coral Reef Fitness Center's athletic director, opened his email like any other day, only to be caught off guard by an e-mail congratulating him for winning an award he didn't know he had been selected as a nominee.

The e-mail, written on behalf of Brig. Gen. Phil Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander, informed Mr. Barnes that he had won the Air Force Association Outstanding Civilian Employee of the Year Award. Mr. Barnes will now be competing to win the award at the Pacific Air Forces level.

Mr. Barnes completed 26 years in the Air Force, and after retirement, he continued working with the military on the civilian side.

For a total of 15 years he has been the director of various military fitness facilities, including Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea and Kadena AB, Japan. He began working at Andersen AFB in March 2008.

"Recognition comes when you least expect it, " Mr. Barnes said. "Helping people stay fit and feel good about themselves, anything they can get from us or we can do for them that's beneficial for them and improves their lifestyle is the best thing about the job - keeping people fit to fight and fit to live."

Mr. Barnes viewed this award as a team award and praised the NCOs and Airmen who work alongside him in the mission to keep Airmen "Fit to Fight."

"I've been blessed with outstanding leadership above me at the squad, group, and wing level that have been wonderful in the support they have given me, and my staff. That kept us at the leading edge of customer service programs and facilities."

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