EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A vehicle management senior NCO recently received a FLEXY award, but it has nothing to do with him being limber or his stretching abilities.
FLEXY is the name of the award (think Oscar) from the National Association of Fleet Administrators Fleet Excellence Award and Master Sgt. Damien Moody claimed this year’s award. More specifically, the base’s vehicle fleet manager with the 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron earned the award in Excellence in Fleet Safety.
“This award was a total shock to me. I really am not motivated by awards, but by my leadership just saying good job,” said Moody, who thought he’d avoided the nomination when he went on leave for shoulder surgery, but found out he’d won during his recovery.
His flight chief, Tommy Weaver, who submitted him for the FLEXY, said the award was richly deserved.
“He (Moody) is constantly striving to not only perform quality maintenance, but to also ensure his personnel have the right resources to safely execute the task at hand,” said Weaver.
It was made apparent right away on the award right up, Moody’s base responsibilities were vast. As manager he leads 103 Airmen and civilians in the maintenance and repair of Eglin’s 1,600 vehicles. This is consider the largest continental United States maintenance activity.
In 2016, he oversaw more than 35,000 vehicle repairs with more than 52,000 accident-free labor hours and zero mishaps.
Moody also merged seven separate hazardous materials tracking accounts in to one overall account. The consolidation now saves more than 100 man-hours yearly.
Also this year, the 19-year Airmen procured and had installed fall protection devices to further protect his employees. This safety advancement was ahead of the required Air Force vehicle community’s mandate.
“We felt the need to go out procure the equipment because our Airmen (civilian and military) are our number one priority,” said Joliet, Ill., native. “They have to have all the tools and equipment necessary to keep them safe and to avoid potential mishaps. It would be a disservice to them if we didn't fight to get everything they need to make the mission happen.”
Weaver echoed the same sentiment about how Moody cares about his Airmen of vehicle management.
“When MSgt Moody conducts his weekly safety briefings the first thing he always says is ‘I can replace a vehicle, but I can’t replace you. There’s not a single vehicle in this fleet I would trade for any of you.’ That’s MSgt Moody and that’s why he’s worthy of this recognition.”