Special recognition boosts CDC test scores Published Dec. 2, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Tanya Holditch Keesler News editor KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- It's been nearly a year since a Keesler Airman failed a career development course test twice. In addition, the average pass rate has improved from 93 to 97 percent in the last year, with 71 of 443 Airmen scoring 90 or higher. All base units have an incentive program to encourage Airmen to do well on their CDCs, according to Master Sgt. James Messer, 81st Training Wing education and training manager. Rewards in each unit can vary from days off to certificates of accomplishment. But when Chief Master Sgt. Alex Perry became the 81st Training Wing command chief, he said he wanted to recognize high-scoring Airmen in front of their peers for a job well done. Airmen scoring above 90 on their tests each receive a personal visit, a certificate and his coin for excellence. Airmen were recognized in the past for their high scores, but it wasn't done publicly. "It is more meaningful to recognize Airmen in front of their peers," said Chief Perry. "Everyone wants to be appreciated." "Taking this recognition to the wing-level is changing the culture of how we do business," said Sergeant Messer. "Airmen are excited, motivated and want to excel in their CDCs. This is their first step in learning their job and setting themselves apart from their peers." Chief Perry said he remembered the reaction of Airman Susan Mangeno, 81st Medical Operations Squadron, who seemed particularly motivated when he recognized her for her high CDC score. Airman Mangeno still had another end of course test to take for her second volume of CDCs. After congratulating her in front of her peers, she confidently told the chief that he would be back after she took her second test. "It was a big honor to meet the command chief of the base," explained Airman Mangeno. "It was definitely good motivation." "I'm very proud of her," Chief Perry said about Airman Mangeno. "Once we reach a level of excellence, we can't go backward. We can only go forward." The chief has also recognized a large number of people in the fire department. "It's very good to see a program like theirs," said Chief Perry. "They are lucky to come into a program where everyone is excelling, and everyone is recognized." A sign hanging in the fire department hallway reads, "Excellence is not the goal -- it's the standard." This sets the tone for Keesler firefighters, said J. D. Donnett, 81st TRW fire chief, who said that the fire department takes an active role in all aspects of training their people. "Everyone here puts eyes on every individual's training," Mr. Donnett pointed out. "Coupled with the chief's program, this adds to our success." The chief's program, which recognizes individuals in front of their peers, encourages others to excel, said Mr. Donnett. Not everyone will get a coin or above 90, but the fact that they strive for a 90 may result in some passing Airmen who might have otherwise failed, he said. "This might be the first time an Airman gets recognized," said Mr. Donnett. It's just another way to recognize young Airmen before they get to Airman Leadership School and for those who might not be quarterly award winners, he said. "There is no greater feeling in the world when I am speaking to Airmen at the first term airmen's center about CDC progression and they tell me, 'Sergeant Messer, I will see Chief Perry and you in four months,'" said Sergeant Messer. "Then when the time comes they pull me aside and say, 'I told you!'" "I think the program motivates a lot of people," said Airman Mangeno. "I talk to Airmen at other bases, and they said they would have studied a lot harder if there was a program like this one at their base."