Officials Select Blacks In Government Award Winners

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas  -- Air Force officials have selected the winners of the 2010 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award for their contributions to the joint fight and role in enhancing an organizational culture that values diversity. 

The BIG Meritorious Service Award is awarded to a military member and a Department of Defense civilian employee who have significantly contributed to the war on terrorism through outstanding support to the mission of their organization and demonstrated support for the full integration and promotion of African-Americans within the armed services or federal civilian work force. 

The military winner is Capt. Christopher Robinson of the 116th Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. The DOD civilian employee winner is Vivian McGhee with the 410th Supply Chain Management Squadron, also at Robins AFB. 

Captain Robinson deployed as a squadron operations superintendent providing oversight for 60 flights in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, which included 40 combat sorties supporting 200 polling sites during Afghan elections. 

Ms. McGhee led her flight of 55 people in providing warfighter support by managing 9,000-plus items worth more than $3.3 billion internal to the automatic test equipment for all Air Force aircraft. 

The awards will be presented at the August 2010 BIG National Training Conference in Kansas City, Mo.