501st EO director selected as best in AF

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joel Mease
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  The 501st Combat Support Wing Equal Opportunity office and EO director were selected as the very best in the Air Force during the annual A1 awards Feb. 21.

Master Sgt. Matthew Wendel, 501st CSW EO director, received the Solomon Stark, Jr. Director of the Year award and his program was selected Colonel L. Joseph Brown award for best EO program. Both awards were chosen over more than 90 other AF wings who had submitted names and programs. This is the second year in a row the 501st CSW was chosen as program of the year.

Sergeant Wendel believes his program's success wouldn't have been able to happen without the support from Airmen in the 501st.

"I truly believe our program is a reflection of the amazing support we receive from leadership; having the opportunity to engage with a committed team of commanders, first sergeants, and our local team of Equal Opportunity counselors generates a synergy that has a direct impact on our constituents," he said. "We have been able to obtain a 99 percent resolution rate on all EO issues brought to our attention; an impressive compliment to our supervisors, and those with the authority to make changes, who work with the EO team in seeking resolution regarding issues of discrimination."

Being selected as the top program in the Air Force is of special note considering Sergeant Wendell and his assistant Tech. Sgt. Darius Kersh started the program for the 501st from scratch.

"Prior to our activation, our services were minimally available to the men and women throughout our GSUs in the United Kingdom and Norway," Sergeant Wendell said. "Command appropriately placed EO at the doorstep of our people, since then more than 17 counselors have been trained and certified to reach every Airman."

Receiving the Solomon Stark, Jr award also has special meaning for Sergeant Wendell, who has been a part of the EO career field since 1998. Mr. Stark was one of the key founders to the Air Force EO program in the 1970's and Sergeant Wendell had the opportunity to receive mentorship from the EO pioneer.

"During a training session with Mr. Starks, in his own nurturing style, he showed us how to take the concepts of EO and incorporate them into our work centers; making EO more than idea but a tool for continued change," he said. "Today I still incorporate those tidbits of wisdom into how we do business here in the 501st."

"His legacy lives on with us; I wonder if he would ever know the true impact of his devotion to our Civil Rights in the Air Force," Sergeant Wendell said. "Receiving this award is an honor; however, I know that it's only because of the seeds he planted. He has made all of us better people, and I'm proud to be a part of the work he embraced."