Medical Group secretary receives civilian achievement award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The 1st Special Operations Medical Group secretary received an Air Force Civilian Achievement Award during a group commander's call at the Hurlburt Field Clinic March 12.

Elizabeth "Betsy" Trainor's service during the recent inspection by the Air Force Inspection Agency and Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care played an instrumental role in the Medical Group achieving an "Excellent" score of 91, its highest score ever.

According to the award's citation, her meticulous preparation of executive committee documentation and intensive coordination of inspector meetings and schedules significantly helped the inspection team confirm the great work that occurred at the 1st SOMDG over the three-year period prior to the inspection.

"She is key to successful 1st SOMDG operations, having been a commander's secretary for the past 16 years," said Col. Dale Agner, 1st SOMDG commander. Colonel Agner is the ninth commander Mrs. Trainor has worked for.

Mrs. Trainor received the medal to the applause and support of the entire Medical Group during the commander's call.

"I was blown away," Mrs. Trainor said. "This is the first medal I've gotten in 28 years of civil service."

Mrs. Trainor began her civilian career in 1982 with the Army in St. Louis. She later worked at Eglin Air Force Base before joining Hurlburt Field in 1994.

The Air Force Civilian Achievement Award Medal is given to civilian employees who successfully complete an important project, reach a major unit milestone or are examples of exceeding expected service.

"It's very important to recognize that we are all a team. Not just active duty personnel, but civilians and active duty. This includes GS and contractors," Colonel Agner said. "It's sometimes forgotten that civilians are also authorized medals, and she did a fantastic job."