Incirlik's top CE Hodja wins USAFE award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Battles
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  As Incirlik Air Base prepares to close out 2014, a member of the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron is making the last year one to remember by garnering a U. S. Air Forces in Europe 2014 award.

On Dec. 8, USAFE announced Lt. Col. Matthew Welling, 39th CES commander, won the 2014 Maj. Gen. Dean Fox Award. The award is given to the major commands top senior military manager.

According to Welling, the men and women of the 39th CES are the reason he won the award.

"The excellent inspection results, the outstanding work of the squadron and its people directly contributed to this award recognition," said Welling. "I continue to be fortunate and humbled to be a part of such an excellent team.  My name may appear on the recipient list, but the award really represents and is directly attributed to all the success the 39th CES achieved in 2014."

Along with Welling's win, two 39th CES units were recognized in their respective categories as runners-up; the 39th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight for the Senior Master Sgt. Gerald J. Stryzak Award and the 39th CES for small unit.

Senior Master Sgt. Michael Becker, 39th CES superintendent, attributed the recognition to the unit's ability to innovate.

"The squadron has embodied the Air Force Chief of Staff's Innovation Program through creative energy reduction initiatives such as our closed loop wastewater system and our no heat/no cool programs that have helped us save more than $1 million in the last year," said Becker.

Even though the two nominated 39th CES units will not be advancing to the Air Force-level competition, Welling expressed how impressed he is with the squadron. 

"I'm proud of everything the 39th CES was able to accomplish in 2014 and for the unit being recognized for this award, "Welling said.

In the coming months, Welling will move onto the Air Force-level where he will compete for the top senior military manager title.