Contracting sergeant wins AFSPC enlisted honors

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A member of the 341st Contracting Squadron won the 2007 Air Force Space Command Outstanding Contracting Enlisted Member award. 

Master Sgt. Amy Pope, 341st CONS superintendent and additional-duty first sergeant, earned this award with exceptional leadership, morale, management skills, and a focus on education and training. 

"As a squadron superintendent and additional-duty first sergeant, there is no such thing as a typical day," Sergeant Pope said. "My job is challenging in regards to the sheer quantity of programs and responsibilities that fall under my purview as a multi-hat wearing Senior NCO. My primary focus is to support my commander by translating her decisions and visions and our mission into specific goals and executable tasks for our teams." 

When she isn't spending time planning and managing programs, the rest of her time is spent mentoring enlisted members and lieutenants on a variety of Air Force and enlisted matters. 

Serving as an example, Sergeant Pope focused her energy on developing and leading professional performers, and master-minded a personnel development database, a management tool to capture goals and ensure growth. 

"My greatest accomplishments will always be those that support, guide, educate, train and equip our Airmen for mission and personal success because that's what it's all about and that's why I'm here," she said. 

Sergeant Pope's dedication and energy also earned her the 341st Mission Support Group Senior NCO of the year for 2006, contributing significantly to her squadron winning the 2006 Air Force Outstanding Small Contracting Unit. 

Sergeant Pope said the same teamwork that helped win that award is what contributed most to her winning this one. 

"Without a doubt, the support I receive every day from Maj. Kristin Uchimara, 341st CONS commander, my troops, the lieutenants and our civilians contributed to this win," she said. "There is a lot of teamwork going on within our squadron and when a unit does that, you can't help but succeed." 

She also credits her team for adapting well to changes in the workplace, resulting in a more productive environment. 

"I'd like to thank the men and women of the 341st CONS for their perseverance in the wake of the Air Force's transformation to operate more efficiently," she said. "Changes - increased ops tempos, along with manpower and budget cuts - are a real challenge, but our folks have kept their heads up searching for the way ahead." 

During these transformations, Sergeant Pope managed resources immaculately, working with the 341st Mission Support Squadron on 25 additional duties. This saved more than 500 man-hours a year and helped offset manpower cuts. She is also constantly involved with improving enlisted training plans and helping to pave the way to success for her troops. 

"I feel great about winning this award, but the award itself is just a symbol of the true rewards which are the results of my efforts to influence and execute mission success," Sergeant Pope said. "It's always gratifying when your hard work, integrity, setting high standards and expectations for yourself, and dedication to service before self culminate into mission successes."