Command Chief’s ‘STAR’ award highlights hidden heroes Published Jan. 16, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Jacob R. McCarthy Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Bringing to light the often overlooked accomplishments of hardworking, unsung Airmen through hands-on recognition is a job most command chiefs would jump on. For Airmen at Nellis and Creech AFB's, that type of recognition comes in the form of a "STAR." Shortly after taking the reigns as host wing command chief for the 99th Air Base Wing in late 2007, Chief Master Sgt. Rob Brooks created his own unique way of saying "Good Job" and "You are appreciated" to sometimes unnoticed, small groups of Airmen. Chief Brooks' Superior Team Award Recognition or "STAR" award is a way for the host wing command chief to publicly acknowledge the distinctive accomplishments of Nellis and Creech Airmen. "It's generally a small group of unseen people who are doing the hardest work all day, every day", said Chief Brooks. "It's hard to get quarterly or annual awards for those people," he continued. Enter the STAR award. This award stems from the Chief's isolated beginnings as a missile maintenance technician in North Dakota. "Nobody ever knew what I did," he recalled. "Most of what I did took place 100 feet below ground, three hours away from base." Looking back, Chief Brooks wants to ensure his Airmen are taken care of and get the recognition they deserve. Any team of individuals, whether they are Airmen, Department of Defense employees or contractors at Nellis or Creech are eligible to receive the Command Chief's STAR award. "One thing to remember--this is a group-based award for smaller flights, shops, and teams who are relatively hidden from view," said Chief Brooks. "I'm not looking for people close to the flagpole. I want a group of people who are doing great stuff everyday, that nobody ever sees," he continued. "Bringing the rest of the installation up to speed about what these 'hidden heroes' are doing for them everyday would be an outstanding achievement," said Chief Brooks. "Sharing the knowledge of what these groups do for the base everyday not only benefits the group but the rest of the base as well," he continued. Recipients of the award will receive a certificate, have their photo taken and be featured in a news brief on both the Nellis public website (www.nellis.af.mil) and in the Bullseye. Do you know a group of people deserving of the STAR award? Pass it up the chain--Chief Brooks takes nominations for his award through word of mouth.
