LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- John Partlow, 47th Communications Squadron base records manager, was chosen by wing leadership to be this week’s “XLer”, Nov. 1, 2017.
The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Michelle Pryor, 47th Flying Training Wing vice wing commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and Laughlin mission.
As the base’s record manager, Partlow works with each squadron’s record manager to manage the files in their unit, and to help organize all their entries.
One of his responsibilities is to add people with security clearances while cleaning up any extraneous users who no longer need access in order to protect personal information.
“Think about keys to a building” Partlow said. “If someone tells me they need a key to the building, instead of just giving them the key to the building, I ask them for a list of everyone who needs a key to the building. Then I take everyone’s key and give keys only to the people who needs keys.”
Partlow is also the government purchase card approving official of his unit. Anytime the GPC holder of the unit sends Partlow ideas of equipment to purchase, he has the final say on whether they make the order or not.
Recently Partlow and the unit’s government card holder collaborated and acquired new furniture for the squadron. According to Partlow, the previous furniture was 10-12 years old and dubiously held together with tape, glue and the sadness of a lack of funding.
“Luckily for me, the communications squadron card holder is a really good card holder,” Partlow said. “Unlike some cardholders who will make requests and assume their approving official will tell them what they can and can’t order, he won’t make a request unless we are allowed to purchase it.”
Partlow destroyed more than 30 boxes of obsolete records and scanned important documents for digital storage.
“One office with 20 obsolete records isn’t a big deal, but if you have 200 offices with 20 extra records the excess multiplies quickly and take up physical space or data,” said Partlow. “Not to mention, anyone with a key can gain access to the records that they may not need.”
In addition to making improvements to his work place, Partlow has also dedicated 105 hours toward obtaining his bachelor’s degree and has upheld a stellar 3.5 GPA.
Partlow is being recognized as this week’s “XLer” for his outstanding efforts in maintaining a higher quality work environment, utilizing space, and coordinating with other members of the unit.