Contracting officer wins third Air Force level award

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (USTCNS) --- A member with the 22nd Contracting Squadron reached the "pinnacle" of her career April 19 when she received an Air Force level award for Outstanding Contracting Civilian of the Year.

After 14 years and countless honors and awards, Jane Combs, a civilian acquisitions flight chief here, has won her third Air Force-level award for her hard work and dedication.

Combs began her career as a secretary. After she could go as far as she could, she decided to enter another career field. She had worked in a contracting office and something about it interested her.

"I'm a person who loves to be challenged, and this is a very challenging career field," said Combs. "There is always something new to do and try."

Last year, Combs made $24 million in purchases for the wing, mentored four team leads and 20 contract specialists and spoke at an AMC conference.

"She has sustained exceptional and tangible effects that you can see," said Maj. Cheryl Junker, commander, 22nd CONS. "She motivates her flight. She keeps them motivated and excited about what they're doing for the wing. She is their leadership."

Managing the swiftest turn about time within the command, averaging 92 days, which is 40 percent faster than the standard for AMC, Combs also has given advice on acquisitions to other agencies like NASA.

"I'm just doing what I'm supposed to be doing -- guiding, mentoring, training and teaching my staff," said Combs. (FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).