Command Recognizes Dyess GM for Service During COVID-19 Pandemic

Dyess Air Force Base Exchange General Manager Pat Tinker received the Air Force’s Exemplary Civilian Service Medal, recognizing her outstanding leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, during a 7^th Bomb Wing command call and award ceremony July 16.

A statement from 7^th Bomb Wing Commander Col. Jose E. Sumangil, read aloud during the ceremony, said Tinker’s management of flexible business hours was “essential for Dyess’ ability to continue its global combat power and airlift missions in a new, abnormal environment.”

“The distinctive accomplishments of Ms. Tinker reflect greatly upon herself and the U.S. Air Force,” the statement read.

Tinker’s leadership during the March to June timeframe resulted in $5 million in sales, all secured while maintaining a safe, secure and sanitized shopping environment for the Dyess community.

Tinker said the award came as a complete surprise: In fact, she thought she was attending a routine command meeting until just after she arrived.

“I’ve been with the Exchange for 33 years, and this is the first time I’ve been recognized by command at this level,” Tinker said. “They sometimes send letters to managers or thank the Exchange as a whole, but to be recognized like this in front of command was a total shock to me and very much an honor.”

While making swift operational changes to ensure shoppers’ safety during the pandemic has been at times challenging, Tinker said her team’s support and willingness to adapt have made it possible for the Exchange to continue delivering safe, sanitized and secure shopping to the Dyess community throughout the pandemic.

“It’s been a team effort,” she said. “Having people who understand things happen at the last minute and will rally around our customers and each other to ensure everyone’s safety makes all the difference.”

Per Air Force Instruction 36-1004, the Exemplary Civilian Service medal recognizes “clearly outstanding service supporting a command mission for at least one year or a single act that significantly contributed to command mission.” Civilian employees “must clearly demonstrate how the employee exceeded service expected of individuals with similar responsibilities” to qualify for the award.