Photo By Heather Heiney | Libby Harper, 81st Operations Support Flight host aviation resource management chief,...... read more read more
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KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – At Keesler Air Force Base, when someone sees the four propellers of a 403rd Wing C-130J Super Hercules spinning across the sky, it wasn’t just a pilot who got that aircraft into the air. An aviation resource manager also worked behind the scenes to ensure that everyone and everything was ready to go before the engines were even fired up.
Members of the career field call themselves “One Charlies” after their Air Force specialty code 1C0X2, and part of their job is to maintain flight records, safety requirements and aircrew qualifications. The closeness of the 1C group is emphasized in their motto, “One family, one vision, one voice.”
Libby Harper, 81st Operations Support Flight host aviation resource management chief, was part of that family for 32 years. She entered the civil service in 1983 as a part-time cashier and lead sales clerk at Keesler’s commissary and then in 1985 she was selected to be the host operations systems management flight records clerk. Since then, she’s supported and mentored not only her fellow 1Cs, but also the aviators she worked with on a daily basis.
During her combination heritage and retirement ceremony March 3 at the Aviation Resource Management technical school here, Chief Master Sgt. Brett McCracken, aviation resource management career field manager, said, “Today we recognize the leadership, dedication, mentorship and friendship Libby has provided to each and every one of us. She has dedicated her life to the 1C motto.”
"Libby is not just a boss, mentor and teacher, but most importantly she is my friend. The world is a better place with her in it," Renee Smith, 81st OSF aviation resource manager, said.
In 1997 Harper became a member of the Air Force Operations Resource Management System Development Team and helped create a user guide for their new automated system. In 2000 she helped develop Air Force Instruction 11-421, Flying Operations; Aviation Resource Management. Then, in 2005 she became the first civilian aviation resource management working group chairperson where she was responsible for system enhancements and guidance for more than 2,800 1Cs worldwide. In 2009 a room at Cody Hall was dedicated to Harper in recognition of her accomplishments and legacy.
“I have so many experiences that mean so much to me, but I guess working with other 1C0X2s from all major commands to develop a new AFI for our career field was an experience I will never forget,” she said. “I'll also remember working with the ARMS Working Group to ensure our Aviation Resource Management System updates and releases were executed providing the field with much needed changes.”
Harper said that she has watched things change throughout her career, including the way everything is documented. “We went from using punch cards and grease boards to computerized products and systems. This allowed for more up-to-date data provided to commanders and schedulers to ensure safety of flight,” she said.
She also said she thinks the biggest positive change she’s seen throughout the years is the increased cohesiveness between the active duty Air Force and the reserve components. “I have witnessed these groups coming together and working as one entity instead of doing their own thing,” she said.
Mentoring others and providing continuity within the career field is what Harper said she considers her greatest accomplishment. “It was always my pleasure to help anyone who contacted me for guidance, knowledge and along the way they provided me with knowledge as well,” she said. “Thanks to all the military and civilian 1C0X2s that have blessed me over the years with their mentorship, tolerance of my endless questions and most importantly their friendship.”
| Date Taken: | 03.03.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 03.16.2017 09:04 |
| Story ID: | 227005 |
| Location: | KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. , MISSISSIPPI, US |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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