23rd Wing protocol office named best in ACC

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Change of command ceremonies, distinguished visits and congressional visits are just a few events the 23rd Wing Protocol Office coordinates for a military base.

Organization, patience and time are some factors essential when it comes to making an event on base successful.

For the first time in Moody history, two Airmen's hard work earned them the 2008 Air Combat Command George Washington Award for Protocol Excellence.

Capt. Kimberly Peters, 23rd Wing chief of protocol, and Staff Sgt. Heather Zollman, 23rd WG NCO in-charge of protocol, have been working together for more than a year to ensure Moody's events are a success.

"It came as no surprise to me that Captain Peters and Sergeant Zollman received this award for protocol excellence," said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Burgess, 23rd WG command chief. "They have consistently made me, the commander and the 23rd WG look good."

Captain Peters and Sergeant Zollman are the only staff members who make up Moody's protocol team.

"I have worked closely with Lt. Gen. Gary North's protocol team in the past," he added. "Our protocol office is as good, if not better, than they were, with less than one third the manning. I am honored to work alongside two absolutely outstanding, professional Airmen."

Together, the protocol team organized 20 change of command and activation ceremonies, hosted the 14th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (retired Chief Master Sgt. Gerald Murray) and hosted a visit from the former Chief of Staff (Gen. Michael T. Moseley).

In addition, they facilitated 140 visits from local and government dignitaries, facilitated 23 visits from senators and congressmen and coordinated 500 distinguished visitors to stay at Moody's DV suites.

"All the guidance I've ever given to the protocol office were three simple tasks: to do everything first class, show distinguished visitors and guests southern Georgia hospitality, and to exceed their expectations," said Col. Kenneth Todorov, 23rd WG commander. "Captain Peters and Sergeant Zollman have definitely exceeded my expectations."

The protocol team also coordinated the 65th and 66th Annual Flying Tiger Reunion.

"The most difficult part of our job is the fear of the unknown," said Sergeant Zollman. "We have to imagine all things that could possibly happen so that we can create a back-up plan.

"Working together as a team is what gets our job done," she added. "It also helps that Captain Peters is a great leader."

Coordination of Moody events not only involves the protocol team, but different base agencies.

"The award is a reflection of all the hard work and help we received from people at Moody," said Captain Peters. "We work with almost every agency on base to pull off an event. I'm really appreciative of Sergeant Zollman and everyone who work with us to make these events happen."

The protocol office provides guidance to leadership from the 23rd WG and the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing, which is also located on Moody.

"I'm extremely proud of our award-winning protocol team for the job they do for the wing and all of Moody," said Colonel Todorov. "I've known all along that they're the best in ACC and I also believe they're the best in the entire Air Force."