CE claims major command award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Malia Jenkins
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Two members from the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron were recently recognized for their accomplishments in 2012 with Pacific Air Force headquarters and Air Force awards.

Christa Gunn, from the 718th CES, earned the PACAF Outstanding Civil Engineer Manager of the Year Award and Mark Pinnau, from the 718th CES, earned the Harry P. Rietman Award.

After winning the Outstanding Civil Engineer Manager of the Year and the Harry P. Rietman Award at the PACAF Level, Gunn and Pinnau also won at the Air Force Level.

"They are both outstanding people," said Col. Gary Schneider, 18th Civil Engineer Group commander. "It's nice when people who deserve recognition receive it."

Gunn is in charge of the entire engineering flight in the 18th CEG, which has the largest program in the Air Force.

She won the award through her day-to-day accomplishments.

Gunn fought to get $9 million in restoration and modernization funds to repair typhoon damage to critical facilities. She also orchestrated a $638 million Post Acquisition Improvement Program to renovate houses,improving the quality of living for members across Okinawa.

Pinnau assisted with building a 15,000 sq. ft. warehouse to store $475 million worth of equipment for the munitions squadron.

In addition to helping build the warehouse, he saved the Air Force $500,000 by properly disposing of hazardous material in more than 180 shops.

Schneider said after being in the Air Force for 24 years and coming to Kadena, where everything is the largest in the Air Force if not the Department of Defense, you need the best and the brightest. He said he feels he has that in Gunn and Pinnau.

"The expertise, corporate and historic knowledge the civilians bring to the table is invaluable," Schneider said.