ARPC wins 'Spirit Award'

ARPC claimed the Team Buckley Spirit Award, also known as the Spirit Stick, at the Team Buckley Quarterly Awards ceremony July 29. It is the first time ARPC has won the award which is given to the unit whose members show the most enthusiasm and support for their quarterly nominees. (U.S. Air Force photo/Greg Simmonds)

Published Aug. 10, 2010
By Mike Molina
Editor

DENVER -- With a new chant and an enthusiastic crowd, ARPC personnel claimed the Team Buckley Spirit Award during the Team Buckley Quarterly Awards ceremony July 29.

The group from ARPC took the spirit award with their concerted shout of "Service at its best. Miles above all the rest. ARPC." The award comes as ARPC is readying to move to Buckley Air Force Base. The Center's new building on Buckley is expected to be finished in Spring 2011.

At the end of the ceremony, Col. Trent Pickering, 460th Space Wing vice commander, presented the spirit stick to ARPC's Maj. Felicia Foster, director of mission support.

"It was an awesome moment and we let Buckley know that we are a force to be reckoned with," Major Foster said.

The Team Buckley Spirit Stick is given to the unit that shows the most enthusiasm and support for their quarterly award nominees. Spirit sticks are often used to encourage teamwork and build unit cohesiveness. This is the first time ARPC has received the award.

Brig. Gen. Kevin Pottinger, ARPC commander, said he heard about the spirit stick competition more than a year ago. He said it was then when he made it a goal to see ARPC win the award.

"I'm so proud of each and every one of you," General Pottinger wrote in an e-mail to ARPC personnel. "Your enthusiasm and desire to not be outdone won that spirit stick. Thanks again and display it proudly."