Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Nellis contracting officer best in Air Combat Command

Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base, Va., has named a Nellis Air Force Base captain its Outstanding Contracting Officer for 2001.

Capt. Christopher Juarez of the 99th Contracting Squadron at Nellis was recognized for his efforts as the sole contracting officer for the USAF Weapons School and contract overseer for the four 2001 Red Flag exercises. The captain manages the $218 million operations and support contract for the 3.1 million-acre Nevada Test and Training Range.

According to Lt. Col. Timothy Ceteres, the 99th Contracting Squadron commander, Juarez was the lead officer in obligating 40 percent of the total funds awarded to contractors during the year to support Nellis and the Nevada Test and Training Range.

Among other accomplishments during the year, Juarez "expertly bridged transition periods between four expiring range contracts and the implementation of a joint range technical services contract incorporating four separate Department of Defense ranges in the Western states," he said.

Juarez, who earned an MBA at Purdue University, has also excelled in Air Force professional development programs for young officers, getting outstanding marks in Air Force Academic Instructor School and at Nellis' Flight Commander course. He also has completed the demanding Air Force Squadron Officers School as an in-resident student.

He was also selected to serve on a task force aiding the Rand Corp. in studying Air Force officer retention issues, and he conducted a study comparing Marine Corps and Air Force officer candidate training techniques. The study's data has since benefited both services' training programs, according to Air Force officials.

Aside from his busy work schedule and continuing professional education endeavors, Juarez is an avid runner. "A physical machine," according to his commander, the captain has completed nine marathons, finishing sixth locally in the Las Vegas Marathon.

In brief

* Timothy Moon, the son of Martha J. Moon of Las Vegas, has graduated from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Ga., and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

During the 14 weeks of training, Moon received in instruction in leadership, professional ethics, soldier team development, combined arms tactics, weapons defense, squad drill, intelligence, field training exercises, land navigation, maintenance, communications, staff and general military subjects, and physical training and conditioning.

* Army National Guard Pfc. Denisse Ramos, Western High School class of 2001 and daughter of Ana Guillen of Vegas, has graduated from the unit supply specialist advanced individual training course at Fort Lee, Va.

She was trained to receive, inspect, segregate, store, inventory, issue, deliver and turn in organizational and installation supplies and equipment; maintain computer automated supply systems; issue and receive small arms; and secure and control ammunition supplies.

* Cathy Burklow, Palo Verde High School class of 2001 and daughter of Joseph Burklow of Las Vegas, recently completed Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and customs; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

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