Base records manager receives service award Published Oct. 19, 2010 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Ruthie Atchley, who's worked at Keesler for nearly 39 years, has earned a special act or service award and a cash bonus from theAir Force. She assumed added responsibilities without a corresponding pay increase, saving the government $150,000 in salary. Ms. Atchley has been the base records manager since 1988 and also serves as Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act officer. In addition to those duties, she led the 81st Communication Squadron's six-member knowledge operations work center for 2½ years when the position became and remained vacant. Ms. Atchley assumed additional responsibility for oversight of the base's publications and forms programs as well as management of official mail center operations. She also handled quality assurance for the postal services contract and was an integral team member in the design, construction and opening of the new postal center. Force shaping efforts cut work center manning by 28 percent, but squadron leaders said the knowledge operations shop didn't miss a beat -- Freedom of Information and Privacy Act responses even surpassed legal deadlines. Ms. Atchley, who was recognized for her leadership and administrative skills during last year's Air Education and Training Command's staff assistance visit, began her career at Keesler in 1972 as a GS-1 trainee in Keesler Technical Training Center's training evaluation division. "I never worry about my records management shop with Ruthie in charge," John McKinley, 81st CS director, pointed out. "She's truly an expert in her field and is an asset not only to our squadron, but to the entire base." "I've had great mentors throughout my career," Ms. Atchley said. "We're a team and we support each other. Base records manager receives service award I'm blessed to have great coworkers and leadership in the squadron and a director who believes in recognizing his personnel."