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ORI Profile -- Airman gets IG coin from ORI team during out brief

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Olufemi Owolabi
  • 47th FTW public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Though many Airmen attended the 2007 Operational Readiness Inspection out brief Tuesday, Airman 1st Class Patrick Bigler stood tall among his peers when he was recognized as an outstanding performer and received an ORI Inspector General's coin.

Airman Bigler, a computer and communications systems planning and implementation specialist in the 47th Communications Squadron was recognized and coined with four other Laughlin members. But among those recognized, Airman Bigler was the only junior enlisted member.

Airman Bigler, who arrived here October 2005, was surprised and excited when Col. Joseph Barron, Air Education and Training Command IG, called him for recognition.

He was coined for developing and creating a training plan for a program which changed the way his squadron now does business on software-requirement process and request forms.

Software request forms used to be on paper, and anytime people submitted software request forms, it took time to get the forms approved, said Airman Bigler

"The old way was kind of messy," said Airman Bigler. "This made it difficult to process and track request forms."

He also implemented a new Air Force web-based tracking system well ahead of the Air Force timeline. He took the initiative to delve into the system to learn the details without any formal training or guidance.

Not only did Airman Bigler train himself, he also developed a training plan and trained base users.

In the past members used to fill out paperwork, now it is all internet based.

This program replaces forms filled out by members requesting for software approval and streamlines man hours put into processing these forms, Airman Bigler explained.

The 47th CS members are effectively using the program now as part of AETC's requirement for them.

"The IG team definitely liked the new program and found it easy to work with," said Airman Bigler. "The team likes the new process versus the old ways. It took 10 to 15 minutes to process a single request form using the old ways, now it takes a minute prompt."

According to Airman Bigler's supervisor, Staff Sgt. Roger D. Blakley, he is one of the best Airmen in the communications squadron. He consistently strives for perfection and always thinks outside the box to improve performance of programs. He is hard working and dedicated in every facet of his job.

"I feel proud and lucky to have an outstanding troop as Airman Bigler. He truly deserves it," Sergeant Blakley said.